Martha Gerstenkorn, age 85, of Bartlesville, OK, formerly of Conway Springs, KS, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones.
Martha was born on January 28, 1940, in Enid, OK, to Eugene and Winifred Hastings. She spent her early years in north-central Oklahoma before moving to Kansas during her teenage years. With a passion for helping others, Martha pursued a career in nursing, attending college to earn her degree.
In 1961, Martha went on her first - and only - blind date, which led to a beautiful partnership. Fifteen months later, she married Norbert Gerstenkorn, with whom she shared a loving and devoted marriage for 60 years.
Martha began her nursing career in as a School Nurse at Kyle Trueblood Elementary School, where her care and dedication left a lasting impact. She later worked at Springview Manor Healthcare and Rehab Center, balancing her professional role with being a devoted stay-at-home mother to her three children. In the early 1990s, she joined Sumner Community Hospital in Wellington, KS, where she evaluated patient care plans and medical records to ensure quality and cost-effective healthcare. Martha retired in 2005 after a long and fulfilling career marked by compassion and excellence.
Martha was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother, known for her wisdom, thoughtfulness, and deep care for those around her. She was an exceptional cook who enjoyed trying new recipes - some of which earned her two awards from Taste of Home magazine. She loved spending time outdoors when the weather was cool, especially gardening and landscaping, and she had a passion for antiquing. Martha and Norbert also enjoyed attending OU basketball games in Norman, OK, and traveling together across the United States.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Winifred Hastings; her daughter, Jeanene Gerstenkorn; her son, James Gerstenkorn; and her beloved husband, Norbert Gerstenkorn.
Martha is survived by her daughter, Julie Mauntel and husband Mike; her grandson, Colton Mason and wife Destinee; her daughter-in-law, Debbie Gerstenkorn (wife of James); and her granddaughter, Emily Gerstenkorn. She is also survived by her sister, Marjorie Harger, and many extended family members and friends who will miss her dearly.
Martha's life was marked by love, resilience, and an enduring commitment to those she cared for. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Visitation will be held Thursday from 10 - 8pm and services will be held Friday, May 9, at 2pm at the Davis Family Funeral Home and Crematory - Walker Brown Chapel, 918-333-7665, 4201 Nowata Rd, Bartlesville. Interment will follow in the Dewey Cemetery.
Services are under the direction of Carter Davis and the Davis Family Funeral Home and Crematory - Walker Brown Chapel. Online condolences and remembrances may be shared with the family at www.DavisFamilyFuneralHome.com.
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