Waverly Jean Martens, age 95, a resident of Chillicothe, Missouri, passed away peacefully in her sleep
on Friday, June 28, 2024, at Hedrick Medical Center, Chillicothe, Missouri. Waverly was born the
daughter of Vern Owen and Blanche Fern (Talbert) Stevenson on December 17, 1928, in Linn County,
Missouri. She was a graduate of Meadville High School. On June 8, 1946, she was united in marriage to
Walter Pepper Martens, Jr. in Brookfield, Missouri.
Waverly was a life-long member of the United Methodist Church and everyone was aware of her strong
faith. She worked at a variety of locations in Chillicothe as a secretary. She always walked to work
before it was the cool thing to do. Waverly was constantly of help and service to others, and in her
retirement, volunteered at Truman Medical Center in Lees Summit. Waverly enjoyed sewing, especially
for others. She loved her family as they were her priority in life.
Survivors include one son, Dwight Duke Martens and wife, Cindi of Overland Park, Kansas; five
grandchildren, Shanelle Martens Varone of Olathe, Kansas, Jessica Martens Coleman of Phoenix,
Arizona, Adam (Kristina) Martens of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Amanda Martens (Rick) Williams of
Lakeland, Florida, and Abey Martens of Albequerque, New Mexico; six great-grandchildren; three great
great-grandchildren; and daughter-in-law, Joanna Martens of Albequerque, New Mexico. She was
preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Walter Pepper Martens, Jr.; one son, Dennis Martens; and
sister, Beverly Lowther.
A Celebration of Life will be held at United Methodist Church, Chillicothe, Missouri, on Monday, July
8, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Childrens Mercy Hospital and may be left
at or mailed to Lindley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 47, Chillicothe, Missouri 64601. Online condolences
may be made at www.lindleyfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri.
