OBITUARY

Kathryn Frala Martin

February 25, 1957 – February 21, 2021

Kathryn F. Martin 2/25/1957 – 2/21/2021

Daughter, sister, wife, mother, and retired registered nurse, Kathryn “Kathy” Frala Martin, passed away peacefully at her home on February 21, 2021, at the age of 63. Her family was with her through the end. At this time, no services are scheduled.

Kathy was born to Robert “Bob” and Erma (Sechrest) Frala on February 25, 1957 in Evanston, IL. She moved to Columbia at the age of 9 and went on to graduate from Hickman High School, Class of 1975. Kathy and her husband, Gregg, were set up on a blind date by their parents in February of 1983. It was love at first sight, and they married on October 29, 1983. Their relationship was one to be admired – full of love, respect, laughter, family, and friends.

Kathy’s nursing career was a source of great pride. She began as a licensed practical nurse at Columbia Regional Hospital. There, she was selected by the Pink Ladies Auxiliary as the recipient of a scholarship to further her nursing education. She graduated as a registered nurse from Central Methodist University. Her talent, skill, and pleasant personality were recognized by Dr. Jerry D. Kennett, M.D., who hired her as a private nurse. Kathy continued working for Dr. Kennett until the birth of her first child, after which she took a break from nursing to raise her and Gregg’s two children (son Casey and daughter Kelley). After Casey and Kelley were in school, anxious to return to nursing, Kathy began work at Boone Hospital Center as a part-time RN in Labor and Delivery – a job she enjoyed very much. From there, she became a full-time member of the specialty nursing staff at Boone Hospital Center’s GI Lab. Kathy retired in 2018, after 25 years of service at Boone Hospital Center. She was respected by all as a strong member of her exclusive team and was very proud to work for such a recognized, first-rate hospital.

Kathy’s passions included her family, her children, her dogs, her home, her friends, attending music festivals, her pool, and her gardens. Two of her biggest joys were her granddaughters, Drew and Darcy. She was an active, fun, and amazing grandmother, who loved every minute of her role as such. Kathy’s care for her father, throughout his later years, was exceptional – The decisions she helped make, time and time again, prolonged his life. Kathy was a board member of Cedar Creek Therapeutic Riding Center and cared very much for its purpose. She will be missed dearly by many.

Kathy is survived by her husband Gregg D. Martin of Columbia; her son Casey Martin, his wife Jamie, and their two daughters – Drew and Darcy – all of Columbia; her daughter Kelley Rebert and her husband Casey of Denver, CO; her mother Erma (Sechrest) Frala of Columbia; her brother James “Jim” Frala of Columbia; her sister Julie Frala (George Marshall) of Hartsburg; and her brother-in-law Terry Martin and his wife Michelle of Jefferson City. She is also survived by nephews and nieces – nephew James “Jimmy” Frala and his wife Kristen of Wentzville; niece Carly Frala of St. Louis; nephew Benton “Ben” Frala of Pacific; nephew Patrick Martin and his wife Amber of Spartanburg, SC; and niece Jenny Snyder and her husband Dillon of Boise, ID. Kathy was preceded in death by her father Robert “Bob” Frala, her father-in-law Lynn Martin, and her mother-in-law Ruth (McKinney) Martin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Kathy’s honor can be made to Boone Hospital Foundation (by mail: Boone Hospital Foundation, 1600 East Broadway, Columbia, MO 65201; online: https://www.boone.org/Foundation/Donations) or Cedar Creek Therapeutic Riding Center (by mail: 4895 East Highway 163, Columbia, MO 65201; online: https://cedarcreek.missouri.org/home/donate).

Condolences may be shared online at memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com

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Kathryn Frala Martin

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James Sowash

March 4, 2021

Kathy was an intelligent, caring, beautiful person who enhanced the delivery of medical care in Columbia. Her death will be felt by all of us who practiced with her. May she rest in peace.
James Sowash MD

Sharon Adams

March 2, 2021

Kathy was a dear and close friend back in the 70’s and we enjoyed such great times. Camping, hanging out on our deck and just sitting around chatting for hours. Life, careers and family took us down our life journey and contact diminished. This is very sad and shocking news and my heart goes out to her dear family as they remember her vibrant personality loving her life and all the people n it. I send love and prayers to each of you. What a wonderful caring lady Kathy was🙏🙏♥️♥️

James Frala

March 1, 2021

Don & Ginny Huckla

March 1, 2021

Dear Martin Family,

We are sorry to hear of your loss and want to extend our deepest condolences to your family at this time. It was always such a delight to run into Kathy around town because her smile was so very joyful and sincere. May God's peace be with you always.

Don & Ginny Huckla

Julie Frala

March 1, 2021

Elizabeth Couper

February 28, 2021

Dear Martin Family,

Nick and I were shaken to learn about Kathy in today's paper.
Nick worked with Kathy in the GI Lab at Boone and had great respect for her expertise in nursing and wonderful attitude toward staff and patients. My grandest memory of Kathy is that of her organizing a fundraiser for a family whose child and mother had both been diagnosed with cancer within weeks of each other. It was a huge success and was so important. What a blessing!
We send to all of you our prayers and our most sincere condolences.
Dr. Nick and Libbie Couper

Josh and Anna Carey

February 27, 2021

Gregg, we are so sorry to hear about the passing of Kathy. You two had a such special and loving relationship and she will forever be a part of you. We are keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Kathy was a wonderful friend and neighbor and we miss her dearly.
Our sincere condolences,
Josh and Anna Carey

Sandra Batye

February 27, 2021

The last time I saw Kathy was at Jimmy and Kristen's wedding. I'. so glad she celebrated this joyous occasion with us. God bless the Martin's and Frala's during this difficult time.

Jack and Diane Sechrest

February 26, 2021

Greg, Casey, Kelly, and the Martin and Frala families - Jack and I are thinking of you all and share your grief in the loss of our dear Cousin Kathy. Please know that we are thinking of you each day and remember her with great affection. We hope to be able to attend a memorial service when the time is right, so we can see you all again.
With our love, Jack & Diane

Fran andJohn Welek

February 26, 2021

Greg , you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. The Welek’s

FROM THE FAMILY