Rhonda Lee Martens

Rhonda Lee Martens, age 67, of North Kansas City, Missouri, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on January 20, 2024.

Rhonda was born on September 15, 1956, to Roy and Betty Ewing. She attended North Kansas City High School, graduating in 1975. Rhonda then attending college at Maple Woods Community College before embarking on her career with KCP&L, where she dedicated her time and skills to customer service until 1993.

On March 14, 1986, Rhonda married Michael Martens. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and shared dreams. As their family expanded, Rhonda made the selfless decision to retire and devote herself to caring for her children. During this time, she was very active in her children’s classrooms through PTA and sponsoring class pets.      

Rhonda was not only a devoted wife and mother but also an avid enthusiast of an active lifestyle. Her love for running was evident as she achieved numerous victories, securing first place in multiple 5K and 10K races. Whether she was lapping Macken Park or enjoying the serene beauty of Smithville Lake, Rhonda embraced the outdoors with boundless energy.

Indoors, Rhonda found solace in her favorite pastimes. She could spend countless hours watching HGTV and any movie featuring Matthew McConaughey. Her passion for animals was abundant with an array of pets over the years, a kindness and sincerity for animals passed along to her children. 

Rhonda is preceded in death by her parents and infant son, Joshua Martens.

She will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by her husband, Michael Martens; children, Austin (Aubrey) Martens, Nick Martens, and Grace Martens; granddaughter, Adelaide Martens; and numerous extended family and friends. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at Terrace Park Cemetery - Lakeside Chapel on Saturday, January 27th, with a gathering of friends and family at 10:00am, followed by a memorial service at 10:30am.