It is with great sadness that we post the passing of our sister, Martha Kirtley, who was a member of our organization for 26 years. Martha was actively involved, both at the local and state level. She was dedicated to our mission of supporting working women and she will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with her sister Sandra and family at this time.Martha Anne (Ball) Kirtley of Excelsior Springs, Missouri passed away July 14 , 2024, at Valley Manor in Excelsior Springs.
Martha (Ball) Kirtley was born October 7, 1938 in Missouri City, MO to Grace Eilene (Pulse) and Clarence Ball. Martha retired after 47 years at the same job where the company changed from Avsco to Lear Jet to Gates and to Gilmour. Martha was a member of the Methodist Church. She was also a 26-year member of the Business Women of Missouri organization.
Preceding her in death, husband Delbert “Buck” Kirtley, son Kevin McKnight, parents Clarence and Grace Ball, brothers Frankie Ball and William “Baldy” Ball, and sister Wanda Crockett.
Survivors include three sons, Douglas McKnight (Karen), Brian McKnight (Stephanie), and Scott Kirtley (Tina), and daughter, Lisa Sass (Brian), 13 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, sister Sandra Clay, brother Lanny Ball and many nieces and nephews.