Barbara Lou Martinez

Barbara Lou Martinez, 73, Carrollton, Missouri passed away January 8, 2022 at Centerpoint Medical Center in Independence, Missouri. Barb’s wishes were to be cremated and a celebration of her life will be at 2pm, Saturday, January 29, 2022 at Exciting First Assembly of God, 906 N. Ely St., Carrollton, Missouri.

Barb was born on November 30, 1948 in Sacramento, California to Elmer and Marian (Pimley) Goetjen. Barb met her future husband, Joseph in December, 1963 and they were married on March 17, 1964 in Reno, Nevada. Soon after they were married they started their family, having five children together; Tamara Gaunce, Barbara Beaver, Joseph Martinez, Jr., Richard Martinez and Catherine Lewis. In 1983, they moved to the Kansas City area, which became home to them.

Barb was a large collector of salt and pepper shakers, always picking up a set when she traveled. She enjoyed knitting, playing Words with Friends on her iPad, doing puzzles and crossword puzzles. Thrifting and garage sales rated high on her list of activities. Most of all, her pride and joy were her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren; enjoying every minute she was able to spend with them.

Barb was preceded in passing by her husband, Joseph on March 20, 2013; daughter, Barbara on December 7, 2015; daughter, Catherine on December 30, 2021; her sister, Joyce; and her beloved dog, Pepper.

Survivors include her children; Tamara (Robert) Gaunce of Tonganoxie, Kansas; Joseph, Jr. (Christie) Martinez of Olathe, Kansas; and Richard Martinez of Independence, Missouri; step-son, Joseph J. (Lynn) Martinez of Santa Cruz, California; son-in-law, Mitch Lewis; grandchildren, Genna (Justin) Jenkins, Kyle (Kaylee) Gaunce, Aric Gaunce, Michael Beardslee, Madison Beaver, Abbigail Ridgway, Noelle Martinez, Parker Lloyd, Jordan Martinez, Tyler Kellum, Luke Martinez, Alanna (Tyler) Dozier, Amanda (Justin) Bates, Alexa (Isaiah) Buxton, and Aarion Lewis; great grandchildren, Isabelle Bates, Finley Jenkins, Mila Shaul, Joel Martinez, Ivy Bates, Noah Jenkins, Lincoln Gaunce, Caden Ridgway, Asher Ridgway, and Christopher Siebenmorgen; and sisters, Patricia Church, Jan Shores and Becky Baker.