Linda Kay Martin
Linda Kay Martin, 69, of Rapid City (formerly of Topeka, Kansas) passed away on January 19, 2018 at Munson Hospice House in Traverse City. Linda was born on October 9, 1948 in Greeley, Colorado. Linda was the daughter of Ronald S. and Evelyn M. Smith who preceded her in death.
Linda was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer in 2003. During 15 years of treatment she had many setbacks, some that both she and her husband thought there would be no recovery. She met those setbacks with courage and a quiet determination. Finally, after all the treatments and surgeries her body surrendered.
Linda graduated from Hutchison High School in Hutchison, Kansas. After high school Linda attended the University of Kansas and earned her B.A. in education. She was a member of the Gamma Phi Sorority. While at the University of Kansas, she met her future husband of 48 years, Stewart J. Martin. They married June 7, 1969. While Mr. Martin was fulfilling his obligation for the US Army, Linda finished up her degree and started teaching in Lawrence, Kansas.
Three years later they moved to Topeka, Kansas and started a family. Through the years a big highlight for Linda and family was the annual summer trip to Northern Michigan and Torch Lake. They would pack the family car, including any dogs they had at the time and leave early, as there was excitement in the air.
In 2003 Linda and Stewart retired to Rapid City, Michigan and built a home on Torch Lake. Linda loved to travel and plan trips. It was at this time they traveled to a number of European countries, some with their good friends the Ordways.
Linda had a strong Colorado connection. She was born in Greeley and had relatives that resided there. She was fond of the memory of trout fishing in the Poudre River with her father. There were rustic cabins in the mountains they stayed in. She grew up among the snow-capped mountains that provided hiking and wildlife watching. That connection continues with two children who live in Colorado. Cementing the connection, Linda and Stewart purchased a condo in Fort Collins, just a stone throw from the Poudre River where she fished as a child.
One of Linda's great joys was seeing her three children achieve success in their careers. Dr. Natalie Joseph, Vail, Colorado, Stewart A. Martin, Lafayette, California, and Dr. Alex Martin of Fort Collins, Colorado. Closely following was the joy of five grandchildren, Camille Martin, Addy Martin, Emmeline Martin, Reece Joseph and Chloe Joseph. There is a special love that mothers have for their children and grandchildren and Linda was no exception.
Linda is also survived by her sisters, Carol Bichet of Hutchinson, Kansas and Barbara Platt of Safety Harbor, Florida, and in-laws Dr. Terell Joseph of Vail, Colorado, Melissa Martin of Lafayette, California, and Michelle Martin of Fort Collins, Colorado.
The family would like to thank Munson Hospice for their professionalism and heartfelt care. The same applies to the 15 years of care at Munson Hospital. The family would like to extend special thanks Dr. David Gordon, who Linda became quite fond of.
Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held in the late spring.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to ASPCA P.O. Box 96929, Washington, DC. 20077-7127.