Martha Louise O’Dell was born March 24, 1937, to Nelson and Dorothy O’Dell in Excelsior Springs, Missouri. The family moved to Carrollton, Missouri in 1944 where her dad opened a Chevrolet agency. Martha grew up there until she went away to school at Christian college, a two-year women’s college. She earned her associate Bachelor of Arts degree as a voice major and went on to the University of Kansas where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in music. While at KU, she also spent two summers in summer stock in Central City, Colorado.
In 1958 she met Jerry Taylor who she would marry in 1960. In 1968, they moved to Colorado Springs where Jerry engaged in real estate development and Martha was a stay-at-home Mom.
Jerry suffered a debilitating stroke in 1975 and Martha had no choice but to find a way to make a living for her husband and children. She found that real estate worked the best for her situation. Martha started in Joe Reich’s office, and she later associated with Langford Delay. She found that on-site sales were what she liked most. She marketed Springlake Townhomes and 4 years later, Pine Terrace Townhomes.
She then went out on her own in the resale market. In 1990, she took over the former Paul Hamilton office and made it into a very successful venture with over 30 agents. In 1996 she was elected President of The Colorado Springs Board of Realtors.
Martha sold her company in 2000 and began enjoying some time off! Martha was a trusted friend and parent who could be relied upon for support, advice and always a good laugh as her humor resonated with all those who crossed her path. After several years in a nursing home, Jerry passed away in 2015. Martha is survived by her son, Michael, his wife, Stacie and their children, Bryant, Kyle, and Mitchell. Her daughter. Laura, her husband. Monte Fetters, their daughters, Casey and Carly.
A Memorial Service in honor of Martha will take place at 3:00PM, Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at the Fellowship of the Rockies Church, 1625 South 8th Street, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80905.