Kathleen “Kathy” Reynolds Martinez was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She left this world suddenly on July 13, 2021, in Salem, OR. at the age of 77.
Kathy was born in Greybull, Wyo. on September 19, 1943, to William and Maude Reynolds and was the third of four daughters. Her family moved to Anchorage, Alaska in 1951. After high school, while working in the secretarial field, she met a handsome Air Force serviceman who was stationed at Elmendorf AFB in Anchorage. In 1963, Kathy and Ivan “Marty” Jose Martinez eloped to Denver and were married at Lowry AFB. They were stationed at several Air Force bases in Colorado, Texas, and back to Anchorage. Their last post was at Mt. Hebo AFS in Oregon, and when Marty retired from the Air Force, they settled in Keizer. with their two sons, Steven and David.
Kathy worked at Willamette Lutheran Home and the Oregon Department of Transportation as an administrative assistant until she retired at age 55. But, the job she loved the most was caring for her two sons, attending their various school and sporting events, and even acting as a Boy Scouts Den Mother. When the boys were in college, Kathy was sure to attend every “Mom’s Weekend” and loved the one-on-one time (and parties) with her sons. In 1996 she lost her beloved Marty, but handled the devastating loss with strength and dignity. In later years, being a grandma gave her great joy. She was a fun-loving and generous grandmother who was always giving big hugs and little gifts. Her house was a great family gathering place where lots of laughs were shared. She also enjoyed traveling, golfing, reading, baking cookies and a nice glass of wine. Her sense of humor and compassionate heart will be dearly missed.
She is survived by her two sons, Steven (Andrea) of Southlake, Texas, and David (Mary) of Portland, Ore., and her three grandchildren: Drew, Trent, and Erika, all of whom she was immensely proud. She is also survived by her sisters Joan Atkins and Faye Reynolds. She is preceded in death by her husband, Marty, and her sister Marie Bensorosky.
Funeral services will be held Aug. 5, at 11 a.m. at Keizer Christian Church. Reception at the church will follow. Memorials or donations in memory of Kathy may be made to the Keizer Community Food Bank.