Kathleen Elizabeth Laughlin was born on October 25th in Bossier City, LA to Martha Elizabeth and Dwight Laughlin. Her parents were hard working and raised a large family of seven children. Kathleen was the fifth child, and she made herself known quickly. She absolutely adored her siblings both older and younger, and later, she cared for them as they became ill. She was a proud Bossier City cheerleader, band member and if asked, she could still do a cheer for the Bossier City Bearkats. As a young woman in a large family, she became a leader and caregiver.
It was at Bossier City High School that she met and fell in love at age 17 with Darcey Gilbert Ambrose. They married quietly at ceremony attended only by another couple who were equally young, and the two couples had a courthouse wedding in another county. To this young couple of Kathleen and Darcey four boys were born. The first boy, John, died after 7 days of life. They went on to have 3 more boys who both parents adore. Mark Kevin Ambrose, Dwight “Steve” Ambrose and David Michael Ambrose.
After her separation and divorce from Darcey, Kathleen met the love of her life, David Paul Martin. Kathleen absolutely adored her husband through all the trials and stress of life, she and David “Big Dave” raised those 3 busy and active boys. Kathleen later received the blessing of a stepson, John Paul Martin.
Kathleen’s upmost passion was to raise her boys in church and to know and serve Jesus. To say that Kathleen was passionate about her faith is an understatement. She served in every area of Trinity Baptist Church from teenage youth ministry, choir and missions. She was a prayer warrior and on top of that list was usually one of her sons.
After her boys grew up and left home, Kathleen began serving at Castle Hills Baptist Church. She especially loved choir where she got to do a duet with her oldest son Mark. It was also during this time that Kathleen went on seven mission trips to Zambia, Africa with Family Legacy Missions. Kathleen also attended Pine Cove Family for many years to spend time with her grandchildren and pass on her love for the Lord. Kathleen knew no stranger and soon became everyone’s “Oma.”
Another of Kathleen’s qualities was her unwavering support for her grandchildren, no matter how small or large. One could always count on Oma showing up and cheering the loudest.
Another passion of Kathleen’s was her love of cooking and photography. She expressed her love to others and especially her family by making a large feast and serving them. After these family feasts, Kathleen would then challenge her family in a family game. She especially loved dominos. She also enjoyed photography. Her favorite subjects were always her 7 grandchildren.
Kathleen was also successful in her career in administrative work. She had a reputation for her leadership and management skills. She retired as the Administrator of the San Antonio office of Norton Rose Fulbright at the age of 75.
In addition to her love for Jesus, Kathleen adored her family and all those who she thought of as family. Kathleen is survived by her loving husband, David Martin, her sons, Mark Ambrose (Terry), Steve Ambrose (Lynn), David Ambrose (Kathy). She has 7 grandchildren, Daniel Ambrose (Lindsay), Kevin Ambrose, Steve Tchiengang (Azarah), Amy Staats (Austin), Ryan Ambrose, Kyle Ambrose (Stephanie), Lauren Ambrose (Steven) Michael Ambrose (Baylee) and John Paul Martin. Kathleen has 12 greatgrandchildren: Charlotte Ambrose, Abbott Ambrose, Hayes Ambrose, Darcey Kay, Ambrose Addelyn Grace Staats, Ava Staats, Sam Staats, Brady Ambrose, Tucker Ambrose, Hailey Ambrose, Madison Ambrose and Raphael Tchiengang. Kathleen also had an amazing relationship with her nieces and nephews. She was our true matriarch and showed us all how to devote ourselves to loving Jesus and loving others.
Details:
Celebration of Life:
Bulverde Methodist Church
Tuesday, November 7th at 1:00 pm
28300 Highway 281
San Antonio, TX 78260
Small reception will be held in the Fellowship hall following the service.
Burial:
Greenwood Cemetery in Shrevport City, LA
Funeral Arrangements are being made through Zoeller Funeral Home in New Braunfels, TX.
Kathleen would like nothing more than donations to be made to any charity that furthers the Gospel of Jesus. Her two favorites:
Family Legacy
Pine Cove Christian Camp
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ZoellerFuneralHm.com for the Martin family.
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