In Loving Memory of Sharon E. Martin

Sharon Elizabeth Martin, age 89, loving mother, grandmother, wife, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 19, 2026. She was born on October 4, 1936, in Yreka, California, the cherished daughter of Paul W. Forrette (Anita) of San Francisco, California and Ethel M. Koelfgen (Arnold) of Dallas, Oregon.Sharon grew up on the West Coast and throughout her life carried a deep love for the ocean, the beach, and the beauty of the Pacific coast. No song spoke to her heart quite like “I Left My Heart in San Francisco.” The city, the ocean, and the West Coast were always a part of her. In 1956, Sharon relocated to Kansas City, Missouri, where she began working for TWA as an airline “hostess” and then as an instructor. It was during this time that she met the love of her life, David Daniel Martin. They married on November 21, 1959, beginning a loving marriage that would span 59 years.Sharon was a devoted mother to Theresa and Paul, and later a beloved grandmother and great-grandmother. She filled the lives of her family with kindness, laughter, warmth, and unwavering love. Her gentle spirit, beautiful smile, and selfless heart touched everyone who knew her. She had a way of making people feel welcome, heard, and cared for.Throughout their 59 years together, Sharon and Dave were parishioners of St. John Francis Regis, Coronation of Our Lady, and Holy Spirit Catholic Church. They made their home in south Kansas City and later Grandview before moving to Lake Winnebago in their early seventies, where they enjoyed the next chapter of their lives together.Sharon leaves behind a legacy of love that will live on through her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her children, Theresa Shepard (Rick), Paul Martin (Emilia); her grandchildren: Lauren Stookey (Daniel), Jacob Shepard (Sadie), Carmen Martin Santos (Enrique), and David Martin Santos; her great-grandchildren: Everly Stookey, Easton Stookey, and Rhodes Shepard. Sharon is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her sister Melinda Horner, and sister-in-law Janet Martin. Her memory will forever be treasured by her family, friends, and all those who knew her.Mass of Christian Burial will be held on September 4, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Lee's Summit at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Alzheimer's Association.