Carolyn Marie Martz

Carolyn Marie Martz, 85, passed away of natural causes on June 22, 2023, in Overland Park, Kansas. Born in Wichita, Kansas on September 24, 1937, Carol was the only child of the late C.H. Morris and Gladys (Miller) Morris.

Carol graduated from Wichita East High School in 1955. From there, she went to the University of Wichita, where she graduated in 1960 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature and Business. Carol worked in a bank after college.

Carol met Henry Ellsworth Martz, Jr. in 1955 while living in Wichita, Kansas where their families lived not far from each other. They had their first date in 1955 and she was able to travel with him in Europe while he was stationed in the Navy, and she was on a student abroad trip. They married on September 10, 1960 and enjoyed over 60 years of marriage together.

Carol and Henry moved to Salina, Kansas where she continued to work in a bank until she became pregnant with their first child, Todd Martz. They returned to Wichita where she gave birth to their second child, Michael Martz. Shortly after, Carol and Henry moved to Leawood, Kansas where they settled to raise their children.

Some of Carol’s favorite memories were spending time with her family at the Lake of the Ozarks, where she and Henry had a summer cabin for many years. She was an avid reader and especially loved the mysteries series set in Santa Barbara by the author Sue Grafton. She would also follow the books her grandchildren read so she could discuss the books with them. Harry Potter and Percy Jackson were some of their favorites. Carol also loved puzzles and games. She regularly played Mah-Jong with her friends at Tallgrass Creek.

She and Henry became snowbirds in Arizona, buying a second home at the Del Webb Grand in Surprise. She enjoyed watching the coyotes, lizards and road runners who would frequently visit their yard. She also enjoyed spending many summers in Santa Barbara, California visiting her youngest son and grandsons. She loved walking on the beach and watching dolphins and seagulls.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 60 plus years, Henry. Carol is survived by her sons Todd Martz (Sherri) of Overland Park, Kansas and Michael Martz (Nancy) of Santa Barbara, California; grandchildren Kyle, Tyler, Colin, and Mason and by her many friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Tallgrass Creek Senior Living, in Overland Park, Kansas on Friday, July 14, 2023 from 9:30-11am.

Her family is thankful for the care from Tallgrass Creek Senior Living and Kansas City Hospice House. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations may be made to Kansas City Hospice House and Palliative Care, 12000 Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO 64145 or  to the American Heart Association.