Nancy Kumler Martin

Nancy Kumler Martin lived fully for 91-years, until she passed in the early morning hours of 26 February, 2019. The joy, acceptance, love, insight, grace, and humor that she brought to this world will be sorely missed. It is hard to imagine life without her and her support, encouragement, and attitude of pure joy in life for herself and others. She was fully engaged in living until the very end, with the visible satisfaction of a life lived fully and completely. Though her world got smaller toward the end, she was still entranced with her home, the animals, and trees that surrounded her.

Her passing was as she lived… peaceful, comfortable, drama-free, and virtually without pain or discomfort while surrounded by her family. In the final days and hours, she spent more time sleeping, comfortable to the end. We never had to consider medications for pain or agitation. We shared much laughter whenever she was awake, as she was clear, articulate, and present. Upon waking to find that Nancy had passed, Terri Barnhart’s first words were “Good job, Nancy!” Nancy’s peace and acceptance has inspired those who were honored to be part of her final days as we witnessed her graceful exit.

Nancy was born on 27 January, 1928 to John Kumler and Lois Wilson. She lived almost exactly 11-years beyond her 2nd husband, Ivan Martin. She is also preceeded in death by her first husband, and father of her four sons, Lloyd “Buck” Barnhart. She is survived by her five children, JoAnn (Bob) Gold, Craig (Anna Baca-) Barnhart, Bruce “Rooster” Barnhart (Malinda “Missy” Rogers), Robin (Terri) Barnhart, and Ross Barnhart; brother, Jim (Linda) Kumler; grandchildren Sarah Barnhart, Ben Barnhart, Karen (Mike) Rossi, Debbie (John) Bain, and Robby (Michelle) Gold; and 7 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by dear friend and loving stepmother to her sons, Gail Barnhart and Queenie the therapy cat.

Nancy was involved in many activities in her life, including 71-years as a member of P.E.O. (a Philanthropic Educational Organization) and attending Cottey College (owned by P.E.O.). She was also active in the Divine Science Church, Sigma Kappa sorority, bridge club (Quasi Dos), founding member of Pueblo PFLAG (Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), and Camp Fire (earning the honor of Wohelo – Work, Health, Love). In addition, she was particularly engaged in activities related to her children… things like laundry mom for the County High football team, cheering her sons at school sporting events and motocross, and selling tickets for fundraisers at local (now defunct) gay bar Aqua Splash. Also, Nancy was politically active and once attended a national convention. She served as election judge for many years. She was always gracious, kind, accepting and supportive.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, 30 March, 2019, Pueblo Divine Science Church, 115 East Routt. Please know you are welcome to share a memory of Nancy that day, and to enjoy the reception afterwards to share in a more intimate setting.

In lieu of flowers, we request donations for the P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education at the address below. Given her longstanding involvement with P.E.O., it seems fitting for donations in her honor to go to this program.

Checks payable to:

“P.E.O. Colorado State Chapter”

c/o Cheryl O.,

1966 W. Tejon Ave.,

Pueblo West, CO 81007

Thank you all for your care of us and our mother,

Craig Barnhart (Anna), Bruce “Rooster” Barnhart (Missy), Robin Barnhart (Terri), Ross Barnhart, JoAnn Gold (Bob)