The Excelsior Standard, July 19, 2024

Martha Anne (Ball) Kirtley of Excelsior Springs passed away July 14, 2024, at Valley Manor in Excelsior Springs.

Martha (Ball) Kirtley was born Oct. 7, 1938, in Missouri City to Grace Eilene (Pulse) and Clarence Ball.

Martha retired after 47 years at the same job where the company changed from Avsco to Lear Jet to Gates to Gilmour.

Martha was a member of the Methodist Church. She also was a 26-year member of the Business Women of Missouri.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Delbert “Buck” Kirtley; son, Kevin McKnight; parents, Clarence and Grace Ball; brothers, Frankie Ball and William “Baldy” Ball; and sister, Wanda Crockett.

Survivors include three sons, Douglas McKnight (Karen), Brian McKnight (Stephanie) and Scott Kirtley (Tina); a daughter, Lisa Sass (Brian); 13 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; a sister, Sandra Clay; a brother, Lanny Ball; and many nieces and nephews.