Funeral services will be at Hillcrest Christian Church at 11411 Quivira Road on February 22, at 11:00am. Family & friends may visit at 10:00am.
Mrs. Martin was born on June 24, 1960 in Springfield, Missouri. Kathy received a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Southwest Missouri State University. She enjoyed painting, soapmaking, candling, socializing, crocheting, ball and formal dining, and most of all her dog, Zena. Kathleen met life’s challenges with grace and an endearing smile. Her faith was an important part of her life.
She was preceded in death by her father, Harold Virgen. Survivors include her spouse, Michael Martin, her daughter, Jennifer Pace (Torin Brenner), and grandson, Wade Brenner. Other survivors include her mother, Lavona Virgen, her sister, Sandra (Virgen) Woolen (Robin).
Michael and Kathleen met officially at Spanky’s, a former dance club, in Columbia, Missouri. After a night of conversations, dancing and then late-night breakfast, they began dating. Kathleen worked at the University of Missouri hospital and Michael worked at the VA hospital across the street. After dating for two years, they were married on 6 May 1995 at Broadway Christian Church in Columbia.
From that point they were inseparable, except for military service separating the couple at times. Mike cherished Kathy as the sweetest, kindest and most beautiful woman in the world and he felt he was truly lucky to be Kathy’s husband. Their life together was enriched by Kathy’s beautiful daughter, Jennifer. She was the sweetest and cutest little girl anyone could hope to have. The family grew larger with the birth of Jennifer’s son, giving Kathy a handsome grandson, named Wade.
Kathy loved butterflies the most, but also turtles and owls. She loved her family and daughter most dearly. Kathy was always the boss and when asked by anyone, that was the only answer. Kathy and Mike were together for over 27 years, with almost 25 being married. Kathy was the type of person, that anyone in the world could socialize with and come away as being a friend.
When deciding to move away from Columbia, she had two choices to make. Virginia or Colorado. She picked Colorado and loved the mountains and wildlife. She was very spiritual and always gave thanks to the lord.
Flowers may be sent to Hillcrest Christian Church at 11411 Quivira Road, Overland Park, Kansas 66210. Memorial contributions may be sent to Hillcrest Christian Church at the above address or to FISH (Friends in Service of Heroes) 13902 West 108th Street, Lenexa KS 66215 or to God's Army, 14526 West 91st Place, Lenexa, KS 66215.
