Kathryn Kaye McMartin, the daughter of Orlo Marvin and Winnie Clarabelle (Carr) Mincer, was born in Spencer, Iowa on June 1, 1942. Kaye died peacefully with her family gathered by her side on January 24, 2024 at Hansen House Assisted Living in Council Bluffs, Iowa at the age 81 years, 7 months, 24 days. Kaye lived 81 blessed years of life, loving being a wife, mom and grandmother.

She was the fifth child of six siblings and grew up on a farm near Spencer.  She told happy stories of her childhood where she loved school in a one room schoolhouse with her teacher Mrs. Miller, whom she adored. The family moved to Carson, Iowa her junior year in high school and she graduated from Carson-Macedonia High School in 1960. She married the love of her life and best friend, James William McMartin on November 17, 1962 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. They celebrated over 60 blessed years just sharing simple joys in life like popcorn and movies, Sunday drives and swinging on the front porch in the summer!

Kaye was devoted to her family and loved them more than anything. She loved spending time with her grandchildren. She and Jim enjoyed traveling around the country including special trips to Hawaii, Alaska with their son, Florida with their Grandkids. She also enjoyed camping, sewing, cooking, baking, antiquing and gardening. She had a green thumb for flowers! Kaye was an active member of the Carson United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women (UMW & Suzanna Circle). She also enjoyed over 45 years in a card club with dear friends. Fun fact: She and Jim were crowned as the Carson Centennial King & Queen.

At different times in her life, she worked at Mutual of Omaha, Citizens State Bank, Bell Telephone, Oakland Co-op, Carson-Macedonia High School and "retired" from Iowa Western Community College, in addition to helping Jim and her family on the farm. Kaye and Jim shared a special joy working together. After leaving the farm, they moved to Council Bluffs and built a beautiful group of friends in their Tower Ridge neighborhood.

She is preceded in death by her husband, James McMartin; her parents Orlo & Winnie Mincer; Jim's parents, Bill and Muriel McMartin; granddaughter, Samantha Jo McMartin; brothers, Bill Mincer, Bob Mincer and Ted Mincer; brother in-laws, Rich Fiddelke and Donnie Hendricks

Kaye is survived by her children, Peggy Bertelson, Daniel McMartin and Kimberly Schilling (Charlie); her grandchildren, Jon Karstens (Shelbie), Brad Karstens (Megan), Emily Karstens, Cassandra Schilling, Megan McMartin, Sydney Schilling and 10 great grandchildren; her sisters, Lola Anderson, Marvel (Bob) Caskey, Kathy Hendricks, Mary Homfeld (Lester), Patty Mincer and Shirley Mincer. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, dear friends and their dog, Mia.

The family would like to express their love and gratitude to the amazing caregivers who supported Kaye from Hansen House Assisted Living and previously at Northcrest Living Center & Primrose. She was blessed to have caregivers that adored Kaye's true loving spirit.

A memorial service for Kaye will be held on Saturday, February 3, at 11:00 AM, at the Carson United Methodist Church. Visitation with the family will be held at the church one hour prior to the memorial service. Following the service, guests will be invited to stay for a light lunch and fellowship with family and friends. Interment will be at Carson Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established. Memorials in Kaye's memory should be written/pay to the order: Kathryn McMartin/In memo: in memory or to the family of Kaye McMartin. Rieken Vieth Funeral Home in Oakland is assisting the family.