Obituary of Martha Ann Landrith

Martha Ann Landrith, age 91, of Coffeyville, Kansas passed away Saturday, September 3, 2022. She was born on July 28, 1931, in Independence, Kansas. She was one of four children of Ollie (Grant) and Bill Boomis. Martha was educated in Independence. She was president of the Student Council and many other groups as well as being voted Best Citizen. She participated in choir and played Bugle in the Drum Corp., graduating high school in 1949. Additional education included receiving an Associate of Arts Degree from Independence Community College in 1951 where she was president of Future Teachers club, a cheerleader and ICC Basketball Queen. Martha was dedicated Sunday School teacher. She received a Bachelor’s Degree from Ottawa University in 1953 majoring in elementary education. She was an officer of her senior class. Later Martha received two additional degrees from Pittsburg State University, a Master’s Degree in 1968, majoring in the teaching of reading and specialist degree in 1979, majoring in school administration. Martha was a certified Reading Specialist and as a District School Superintendent. Other study was completed at the University of Missouri, and University of Notre Dame. During her community college years Martha was church secretary. At Ottawa University, she was an active member of a weekend evangelistic team. She also helped a pre-ministerial student conduct services in a rural church. As a member of Coffeyville Economic Development Advisory Board, Martha enjoyed community work and spent many hours in her church, the Salvation Army and Coffeyville Cultural Arts. She belonged to numerus professional and civic organizations, holding office in most. Other memberships included Delta Kappa Gamma, Kansas Reading Association, Kansas Elementary principals, National Education Association, and Parent Teachers Association. A lifelong commitment to service others was shown in her thirty-six years as a teacher and administrator. This included two years as a teacher in Paola, Kansas, three years teaching in Stockton, Missouri. Eleven years were spent as principal of Lowell School and eight years at Garfield School in Coffeyville. Martha was selected for Who’s Who Among American Teachers. In Stockton, she was District Math Chairman and in Coffeyville, she was Director of the District Title I Federal Remedial Program for many years. She also received an award in Washington D.C. in recognition for the success of the Coffeyville program. In 1996, she retired. Martha enjoyed preparing food and was an excellent cook. She also enjoyed several crafts including Easter eggs, carving fruits and vegetables, and embroidery on Kathy’s dresses and Marc’s cowboy shirts. Survivors include one daughter, Kathy Long and husband, Terry of Coffeyville; sons, Marc Landrith and wife, Ruth of Cassville, Missouri, and Steve Landrith of Coffeyville; six grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. Other survivors include two brothers, Jim Boomis of Plymouth, Michigan, and Bill Boomis of Sycamore, Kansas. She was preceded in death by her parents, one grandson, Ernie Fritz; and one sister, Judy Thomson. Following Martha’s wishes cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service celebrating her life will be at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 7, 2022, at the First Baptist Church, 300 West 9th St. , with Pastor Dick Smith officiating. Friends may sign the register book on Tuesday, September 6th from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville. The family suggests memorials in Martha’s memory to the First Baptist Church; contributions may be left the funeral home or mailed in care of David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, KS 67337. To leave a message for the family please visit www.dwbfh.com.