Linda Kay (Boyd) Martin, of Kansas City, MO passed away on Dec. 6, 2022. She was born in Fort Scott on October 18, 1951, to Eugene and Irene Boyd of Redfield. She was 71 years old. Linda was married to Warren Martin and their family includes 5 children: Steven Towle (Cat), Salem, OR; Jennifer Tellez(Chris), Mission Viejo, CA; Gretchen Morrison, Wildwood, MO; Brandon Martin (Jen), Blue Springs, MO; and Travis Martin (Tara), Columbia, MO, plus 10 grandchildren: Kaylin, Joshua, Amanda, Jimmie, Ashley, Andrew, Cayton, Cale, Brady, and Rhys.
Linda has 3 sisters: Patricia Allen (Dwayne), Arcadia, KS; Kathryn Brull (Joe), Osawatomie, KS; and Diana McElroy (Mike), Lenexa, KS; plus 7 nephews and nieces who loved her dearly. Linda graduated with honors from Metropolitan Community College – Longview, and she served as a Case Worker for the State of Missouri Social Services Division for 22 years.
Humor, love, family, and sports were at the heart of everything Linda did. As a little girl – she dreamed of being an astronaut, or – a spy alongside James Bond! She didn’t become an astronaut, but she loved watching science fiction movies with Steven! And, Warren had a Star named for Linda as a birthday present.
While Linda was a “city girl” at heart, she liked the horses on the family farm, and as a girl – participated in parades with her pony and cart. Linda also loved playing softball, and one of her proud childhood moments was winning the Bourbon County Spelling Bee in the 8th Grade!
As a parent, Linda chose to stay at home & raise her two children until they reached school age. After that – she worked part-time jobs so that she could be at home in the afternoons.
Later, Linda returned to college as an adult learner to create opportunities for herself. Earning her college degree, with honors, was a great source of pride. After her degree, she spent 22 years helping others through the State of Missouri Department of Social Services. Lindamademany friends there, and developed lasting relationships with co-workers.
Linda was a devoted Christian throughout her life and lived each day showing respect and gratitude toward others. When Linda and Pat were young, and the family was traveling to pony pulls in the region – they attended churches throughout KS, OK, and MO. The family was committed to attending church no matter where they were, and Linda earned a pin for 10 years of perfect Sunday School attendance!
As a KC Royals and KC Chiefs Super Fan – she loved the World Series victories in 1985 and 2015, and took her kids out of school to attend the 1985 parade! In 2020 – she was among the first to purchase Super Bowl Champion apparel! She also initiated a “Chiefs Family” group text, so we can easily cheer and/or rant together.
Linda loved dancing, and especially liked dancing to “Wipeout” with Kathy! She also enjoyed
playing cards, like pitch. Linda loved to travel and among her favorites were wonderful trips to Hawaii and the American West with Warren, a cruise with her daughter’s family, sister road trips to Branson, and vacations to CA to visit Jenny, Chris, Kaylin, and Joshua.
Outings with shopping and lunch were always treasured activities. Among our family memories was Linda hopping out of the car at Bannister Mall and “holding” a parking spot for us as we circled around. In her confident, friendly way – Linda waved others away and stood her ground when they tried to pull in, defiantly “reserving” it for us until we made our way to the spot. Another area where Linda showed no fear was in cheering for others in their various accomplishments. Diana recollects being somewhat embarrassed, but also happy when Linda was the loudest person cheering as she graduated from college. Linda made each experience more fun and exciting!
In addition to her humorous side, Linda was a thoughtful family member and friend. Among Pat’s memories was Linda staying by her side when Dwayne was in Intensive Care for nearly 2 weeks. She wanted to help in any way she could, and she didn’t want Patto to be alone. Linda also took over texting duties with other family and friends, so Pat could focus on Dwayne’s needs. Another thoughtful effort was when Linda and Kathy made a wonderful keepsake for all of us by creating a Boyd Family Cookbook many years ago. Diana also appreciates Linda’s kindness, as she and Warren rarely missed a school open house or church program for Elizabeth & Adam. Linda knew their grandparents were far away and not able to travel, and she and Warren stepped in – to be the supportive and caring extended family we all need.
Linda and Warren show that same family devotion when cheering on their grandkids’ hockey games, and when she traveled with the color guard when Jenny was in high school. Whatever Linda did—she did with her whole heart.
Linda was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, plus “Leader of the Sister Pack” as #1 of the 4 Boyd Girls. Her favorite color was yellow, and we appreciate many of you wearing yellow today to honor Linda’s memory!
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made to the Kansas City Hospice Foundation, 9001 State Line Rd, Suite 300, Kansas City, MO 64114. The staff provided genuine care and support to Linda and the family during the last stage of her life, and we appreciate their work.
