Her smile lit up every room she entered. Her near boundless empathy and compassion was legendary among family and friends. Martha Lynn Wells (nee Knupp) passed away at home on August 13, 2020.
Martha was born in Garden City, KS to Marvin and Lillian Knupp and soon became a lifelong Colorado resident. On June 10, 1979, she married the love of her life, Joseph Wells and spent nearly 41 years together filled with love, family, friends, travel, and church.
Martha loved deeply, especially family, friends, and those close to her. She was able to maintain strong bonds whether it be long distance or in person – always brightening the day of the lives she touched. She adored her grandchildren and great grandson, always eager to learn about the latest happenings in their ever-changing lives. Martha was also passionate about animals, caring for several dogs and cats throughout her life. Her final dog, Charley, would run errands with her, and spend most of his waking moments following her throughout the house craving her love and attention.
Known by her grandkids as “Nana” or “Grandma Banana”, she was always ready with a smile and a warm hug that felt like home. Her grandkids remember her fishing, dancing, endless hours shopping and trying on clothes, and family trips. Martha called First Baptist Church her steadfast place of worship and she was an active member singing as well as playing in the handbell choir. In her spare time, she enjoyed gardening and watching her giant sunflowers grow, reading, taking cat naps, playing Mexican Train and Cribbage.
Martha was preceded in death by her loving husband, Joseph. She is survived by her brother Phil; son, Jason; stepson, Doug; stepdaughter, Sherie; grandchildren: Ben, Dillon, Jadyn, Ethan, Brisa, and Westyn; along with great-grandson, Rowan; and nephews, Mike and Steve.
Recently, she was remembered by three of her grandchildren. Dillon wrote: “Today we lost my beautiful, quirky, selfless, caring, friend to all Nana. It was sudden and unexpected and we’re all grieving and heartbroken. We lean on the memories with her and all the love she filled us with. Nana/Grandma Banana, you’re one of a kind and the love I have for you was no secret.” Jadyn wrote: “If I could say one last thing to you it would be that the bond and love we shared was unconditional. You were someone that I could go to when I had a problem or someone I could just talk to when I was lonely. I love you so much Nana Banana and have complete faith that you are once again reunited with the love of your life and that both of you are now watching over us.” And, Ben wrote: “We’re still at a loss for words – it feels like you’re taking one of your famous catnaps and about to wake, as spunky and smiley as ever. But today, that’s not the case. Life is so fragile, but our love WILL endure forever. Until the next dessert we share (the one you said you didn’t want but insist on taking a bite of…).”
Per Martha’s wishes, no viewing or visitation will be held. A memorial service in her honor will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, feel free to donate to the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region https://www.hsppr.org/
Jean Brown
18 Aug 2020Your smile and friendship are still precious to me–will never be forgotten. Thank you for all the shared good times and your beautiful, generous vitality!
Lois E Oswalt
19 Aug 2020My dear friend Marti, I will miss our fun times and the deep talks we had, but I rejoice that you did not suffer and you are with the Lord, your faithful God, right now. Enjoy being in the Heavenly choir, with Joe, listen to the bells you have never heard or seen before, love that banquet table prepared for you and behold the very presence of Jesus, our Lord. You have been blessed and loved beyond our understanding!
Katherine Hampson
20 Aug 2020MARTI….a person who was richly blessed with compassion and shared it with all of us! She moved quietly and cared for others in a big explosion of energy and sweet reverence of life!
Barbara Graham
20 Aug 2020Finally, dear MARTI, I am reading your obituary and realize that it tells some of the depth of your personality, your energy, your beautiful smile, your endless good humor. No words can capture the essence of you. The friendship we shared, you and I and the others of the “Fabulous Five”, is a precious treasure that has incredibly enriched my life. Pictures tell some of the story, but the way your special presence has etched itself into my life is a deep and vibrant thread running through me. What a gift you have given to so many of us! Thank you