Martha Katherine McCormick

Martha Katherine McCormick woke up in the arms of Jesus on January 31, 2025, which was also her 83rd birthday. Most people knew her as “Marty” but late in life she decided to be “Martha.” To those who knew her best, she was “Mom” (daughters Kathy Finks and Carrie Roberts), “Mama Marty” (son-in-law Don Finks), “Grandma” (grandkids Sarah & Brennen Rollin, Ryan Finks) and “Gwama Marny” (18-month-old great-grandson Beau Rollin).

Martha grew up in Danville, Illinois, and taught high school English before becoming a stay-at-home mom. She later worked for 30 years in the billing area of medical office in Kansas City, Missouri, finally retiring at age 71.

Martha was a devoted wife to Bruce, her husband of 38 years, who passed away in 2020. Together they enjoyed the quiet life, content to sit on the couch and watch tv (nothing too scary) or putter around the house, which explains their email address “mbsofaspuds.” They enjoyed many trips to Las Vegas, amassing quite the collection of Vegas sweatshirts, as well as to the Hoover Dam, where they selected a humble rock as their memento.

Although a worrier by nature, Martha had incredible dedication and inner strength. She had a warm smile and a wonderful sense of humor. She was known for her long phone calls, where she was a good listener and even better talker. Though she wasn’t much of a cook—her lack of skills attributed to always being tasked with chopping carrots and onions as a child—her family requested her “oyster dressing without the oysters” every holiday, and her recipe will live on.

Martha was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Gazel Klage, and survived by her younger sister, Mary Corcoran. Her small family is limited in numbers, but the love is boundless. Martha’s love, humor, strength, and her gentle reminder to “take care of each other” will be carried forward as her legacy.

Martha requested no funeral services, but donations to the Olathe Hospice House or Wayside Waifs are appreciated.