Martha Helen Clevenger (Ramsey)

Martha was born February 15, 1955 in Wichita, Kansas to Richard VanDenberg Ramsey and Carol Hohengarten Ramsey.

On January 5, 1974, she married Mark Clevenger in Wichita, Kansas.

Martha excelled in the classroom. She received a B.A. with honors in History, Magna Cum Laude, at Wichita State University, 1976. She received the Henry Onsgard Award for outstanding graduating senior in history that same year. She earned a Master’s in history from Washington University of St. Louis, 1979. She was a Fulbright Fellow, Universitat Mainz, Germany, 1981-82. She had numerous publications and programs, including one book, “Indescribably Grand: Diaries and Letters from the 1904 World’s Fair.”

Martha worked at the Missouri History Museum for 18 years in increasingly responsible positions, culminating as Director of Collections and Conservation. She moved to Longmont in 2000, taking the Executive Director position with the Longmont Museum. Under her able direction she expanded the museum to its current expanded facility and stature. She was proud of the fact that she and her exemplary staff expanded not only programs and exhibits, but also fundraising and visibility within Longmont and the surrounding area.

Martha enjoyed Longmont and early on took on an active role with the community. She served in many organizations and not-for-profits, currently active in the Twin Peaks Rotary Club and board and chair of the scholarship committee. She served on the St. Vrain Historical Society board, bringing much of her expertise on staffing, fundraising and budget issues. In addition she was cofounder and first Advisory Board chair of the Longmont Area Visitors Association. She was an active member of the Colorado/Wyoming Museum Association.

Martha was an avid reader, particularly of history and politics. She also enjoyed music (Classical, particularly modern Russian and Romantic era composers and camping and hiking (usually Southern Utah.)

Preceding her in death are her parents and her father-in-law Bruce Clevenger.

Surviving are her husband of Longmont; a brother John Ramsey of Longmont; mother-in-law Helen Clevenger of Wichita, KS; and her 4 loving cats Maggie (her favorite), Max, Layla, and Alex.

A cremation has been entrusted to the Howe Mortuary and Crematory Services.

Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, September 17, at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 1500 9th Ave, Longmont with Pastor Kent Schnegelberger officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting contributions to the Friends of the Longmont Museum, 400 Quail Road, Longmont, CO 80501 or Twin Peaks Rotary Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 719, Longmont, CO 80502.

Please share your thoughts, memories and condolences with the family at www.howemortuary.com.