DOROTHY CLARA MARTENS

Dorothy Clara Martens, age 80, a lifetime resident of Bourbon County, Kan., died Friday, April 13, 2007, at the Medicalodge Nursing Home. She was born May 15, 1926, in Bourbon County, the daughter of Ralph A. Singmaster and Lottie Viola Query Singmaster. She graduated from Fort Scott High School and then attended business college in Wichita. She married William F. "Bill" Martens Jr. on Aug. 19, 1950, in Fort Scott. He preceded her in death on May 9, 1995.

She worked in the Bourbon County Courthouse in the treasurer's office and then in the division of motor vehicles, retiring in 1994. She was an active member in the Diamond Community Church where she led singing for many years. She was a leader and office-holder in several organizations, including the Southeast Scott 4-H Club, the Missouri Jolly Circle Club, and the Bourbon County Democratic Committee.

Dorothy is survived by two daughters, Clara Schofield and Carol Bingessser, both of Fort Scott; a sister, Esther Secrest, Fort Scott; three grandchildren, Austin Schofield, Jon Bingesser II, and Brittany Bingesser; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Bill, and by two brothers, Ralph and Reece Singmaster.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a. m., Tuesday, April 17, at the Cheney Witt Chapel, officiated by the Rev. Stephen Muhata and Jared Witt. Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery. The family will receive friends for visitation from 7- 8 p. m., Monday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Diamond Community Church or the Medicalodge Activity Fund, and may be sent to Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, Fort Scott, KS, 66701.

Condolences may be emailed to the family at

cheneywittcondolence@ cpol. net.