Martha Rowe Obituary

Martha Douglas Rowe passed away on December 5, 2025 at Bridge Haven in Lawrence, KS. She was a loving wife of 66 ½ years to her husband, John Rowe. Martha was a loving mother to her four children: daughters Melissa Schnucker (Christjahn), Marjorie Koeppe (Mark) and Mary Beth Revels (Wesley); and son Andrew Rowe; and to her many grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Born in Ketchum, Oklahoma on September 23, 1937, she was the beloved, much younger daughter of Garland Augustus Douglas and Mary Elizabeth "Bess" Turner Douglas, both who farmed and served as Post Master in Ketchum. Bess followed her husband in the job after his early death. Martha is known in this family as "Tis", the baby sister of boys who were 8 to 12 years older. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers Gus, Fred, and Rex Douglas; and her nephew, Navy flyer Lt. Randy Douglas.

Martha graduated from Ketchum High School and began college at Oklahoma City University majoring in Music and enjoying participation in vocal performance. Her studies were interrupted by a handsome young man from North Carolina who was training at the National FAA Radar School in Oklahoma City. They met in March 1959 and married in June of that year. During their life together John's job brought them many moves: Raleigh, NC; Dauphin Island, AL; Miami and Tampa, FL; Oklahoma City, OK; and Kirksville, MO. They resided in Kirksville for 41 years. They moved to Lawrence, KS in 2014 to be closer to family.

During the family's years in Kirksville, Martha was an active volunteer while her children were in grade school. Once her children reached their teens, Martha finished her college education, graduating from Truman State University in 1980, with a degree in Business and Accounting. After completing her degree, she was employed at Larry Gardner Accounting Services.

Martha was an active Democrat and was elected to the Kirksville City Council in April 2002 and ended her Council term April 2011. She served as Mayor of Kirksville from October 2005 – April 2007 and September 2007 – April 2010. We, as her family loved and were proud of her Servant Leadership. Martha was an elder at the Presbyterian Church, an active member of The Order of the Eastern Star, Optimist International, P.E.O. Sisterhood, Quota International, Sojourners Club, Girl Scouts of America and Choir and Women's groups in the Presbyterian and Lutheran churches where she and John were members.

For the last 2 ¾ years, Marth was a resident at Bridge Haven Memory Care where she received exceptionally kind and loving care. The family is so thankful for every one of Bridge Haven's employees who assisted in her care.

Martha's memorial service will be held Friday, December 12 at 10:30 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lawrence, KS. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

Keep a song in your Heart, Martha did.