Martha Bown Middendorf passed at age 98 on April 9 ^th , 2019, surrounded by her beloved family. She was a pioneer in many ways, graduating with a degree in Geology in 1941 from the University of Alabama as the only female in that department. Her father, Karl Henry Middendorf was a civil engineer and served in the WPA and CCC building bridges and schools during the Great Depression, and her mother, Ethel Adell Bown Middendorf taught Math and Latin after graduating from university.

During her life Martha continued her education and worked for an accounting firm, as a kindergarten teacher, and as a registered nurse. As a child of the Great Depression, Martha was independent, industrious and followed many interests. In addition to working full time she created prizewinning quilts and became a Master Gardener when she retired. Martha and her sister, Barbara Jane Middendorf Rosen loved adventures and traveled the world together.

Martha is survived by her nieces and nephews and their families, Janet Pearson and her husband Gary of Springfield, (children Jonathan Meyer (wife Francesca Hughes), Jake Pearson, Michael Pearson (wife Christie), Joel Pearson (wife Jessica), and Joshua Pearson (wife Tanya Lee); Dr. David Rosen and his wife Lanara of Eugene Oregon, (David's children, Sarah Rosen Garrett (husband Allan), Laura Rosen, and Rachel Rosen); Dr. William Rosen and his wife Paula Bonner Rosen of Springfield, (children, Meganne Rosen and Max Rosen); Marti Olesen and her husband Larry Olesen of Ponca, Arkansas and their daughter, Nonah Olesen; Nancy Rosen James and her husband Donald of Prairie Village, Kansas.  Martha also is survived by great nephews and nieces, Ursula and Solomon Meyer, Aiden and Ben Garrett, Maya and Felix Pearson, Dylan and Cyrus Pearson, and Kruz and Kai Pearson.

Martha will be remembered in the hearts of the those who knew and loved her. A family memorial will be held in May. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the nearest humane society as Martha was an ardent animal lover and supported the Kansas City Humane Society for many years.