In Memory Of
Martha E. Killian
1936
2014
Martha E. Killian
July 22, 1936 — December 15, 2014
Martha E Killian died suddenly on December 15, 2014 in her 79th year of life. A Master Gardener Emeritus and retired USD 501 teacher, Martha was loved by many, appreciated and respected for her integrity loyalty, skill, quiet leadership, and hard work.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Francis Knop Palmgren, her husbands, Samuel B. Grolmes, Jr. and John J. Killian, Jr., also aunts and uncles.
She leaves her sister, Ruth (David) Rinker, nephew, Kent (Rebecca) Rinker, nieces Kristin (Peter) Kowler and Lea Anne Rinker (Fernando Ortiz), special and constant friend for 25 years, Larry Fox, also cousins Marjorie (David) McAtee and Richard Knop.
A native of Kansas City, MO, Martha graduated from Westport HS (1954) and KC Junior College. She finished her teaching degree at the University of Missouri at Kansas City, married, then lived in Osaka, Japan for three years. After her return she taught in KC and at the Olathe School for the Deaf until moving to Topeka, KS where she taught mid elementary grades in USD 501 until her retirement in 1996.
Martha ballroom danced for many years. Near and after retirement, she became an avid gardener. She was a Master Gardener for more than 15 years, a member of Topeka's Horticulture Club and USD 501's "Trippers".
As she wanted, private burial took place at Mt. Moriah Cemetery in Kansas City, MO. Friends including past students are invited to a casual farewell reception March 28, 2015 at Washburn University's Pavillion adjacent to parking lot R., 10am-noon. Enter Lot R from 19th & McVicar.
To share a special memory of Martha or to leave a message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Francis Knop Palmgren, her husbands, Samuel B. Grolmes, Jr. and John J. Killian, Jr., also aunts and uncles.
She leaves her sister, Ruth (David) Rinker, nephew, Kent (Rebecca) Rinker, nieces Kristin (Peter) Kowler and Lea Anne Rinker (Fernando Ortiz), special and constant friend for 25 years, Larry Fox, also cousins Marjorie (David) McAtee and Richard Knop.
A native of Kansas City, MO, Martha graduated from Westport HS (1954) and KC Junior College. She finished her teaching degree at the University of Missouri at Kansas City, married, then lived in Osaka, Japan for three years. After her return she taught in KC and at the Olathe School for the Deaf until moving to Topeka, KS where she taught mid elementary grades in USD 501 until her retirement in 1996.
Martha ballroom danced for many years. Near and after retirement, she became an avid gardener. She was a Master Gardener for more than 15 years, a member of Topeka's Horticulture Club and USD 501's "Trippers".
As she wanted, private burial took place at Mt. Moriah Cemetery in Kansas City, MO. Friends including past students are invited to a casual farewell reception March 28, 2015 at Washburn University's Pavillion adjacent to parking lot R., 10am-noon. Enter Lot R from 19th & McVicar.
To share a special memory of Martha or to leave a message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Martha E. Killian, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Farewell Reception
Saturday, March 28, 2015
10:00am - 12:00 pm (Central time)
Washburn Universityâs Pavillion
Guestbook
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