Virginia Martin

Virginia Kay Martin passed away on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at the age of 83. She was a lifelong resident of Springfield, Missouri and was the daughter of Ross A. and Virginia M. (Dinkins) Hart. Kay’s father died when she was only 5 years old, but she was adopted by Virginia’s second husband, Earl D. Stone, in 1948. Earl helped to raise Kay and was a wonderful loving father and grandfather.

Kay graduated from Parkview High in 1959. A few years later she met her future husband, Charles Dudley Martin, while working in the law office of Robert Durst as a legal secretary. On August 19, 1961, Kay married Dudley, also a lifelong resident of Springfield, Missouri. Together they enjoyed 58 years of marriage until Dudley’s passing in 2020.

Initially when Kay and Dudley started their family, Kay stayed home with their 2 children, but she still found time to pursue and support some outside interests. One joy throughout Kay’s life was visiting the Springfield Art Museum, and in 1967, she was a founding member of the museum’s Collective Craft Group. Once her children were school age, Kay returned to work full time helping Dudley build his private law practice and serving as office manager. She was also keenly interested in politics and volunteered for the Democratic Party.

Kay’s greatest source of pride and joy was her family. On weekends and in their spare time, Kay and her family were usually enjoying some type of outdoor activity together. Weekends were filled with riding motorcycles, hunting, fishing, bird watching, canoeing, camping, traveling or working in the yard. Whatever the experience, Kay was usually up for giving it a try.

Kay is survived by her son, Ross Martin; and his wife, Laura; her daughter, Deborah DeMan; and husband, Robert; and two granddaughters, Brianna and Sophia DeMan. Kay is also survived by her brother, John Stone; and his wife, Ann. Kay will be greatly missed by all who loved her and those lucky enough to have known her.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Springfield Art Museum -- https://www.sgfmuseum.org/31/Support . Thank you.

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