Martha Klema

KANSAS CITY, MO. - Martha (nee: Willems) Klema, 90 years old, went home to be with her Lord and Saviour at her home after a short battle with cancer. Martha was born February 1, 1918, the first of twins to G.D. and Anna (nee: Block) Willems in Inman, Kansas. She grew up in Inman and graduated from nurses training as a Registered Nurse from the Southwestern Osteopathic Hospital in Wichita, Kansas. After nurses training, she was a surgical nurse and operating room supervisor for 5 years at the Southwestern Osteopathic Hospital. While working there, she met and married Dr. John W. Klema, Jr. They lived in Kenosha for 42 years before moving to Kansas City, Missouri in 1989. She was a faithful and loving wife and mother. Martha is survived by her husband of 61 years, John; daughters, Ruth Klema and Jane Klema, both of Raytown, Missouri; and son, Dr. John W. Klema III; daughter-in-law, Bobbie; and grandsons, Mark Klema and Michael Klema of Lee's Summit, Missouri; sisters, Eva Classen of Fresno, California and Esther Willems of Reedley, California. Martha will be remembered for her delight in God's Word, the Bible. She loved to teach the Bible to children in Daily Vacation Bible School, High School girls and held women's neighborhood Bible studies in her home in Kenosha and in Kansas City. She loved hymns and said that every hymn was her favorite. She will also be remembered for her love of people, as camp nurse, as a Pioneer Girls Guide, for her gift of elevating cooking and baking to a ministry to people, for her cheerful attitude and for her engaging laughter. After burial with family and friends at Park Lawn Cemetery, a memorial service, officiated by Pastor Jerry Byars and Pastor Rick Johnson will be held at the Overland Park Baptist Temple. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given for missionary support at the Overland Park Baptist Temple in Overland Park, Kansas or the First Bible Baptist Church in Blue Springs, Missouri. PARK LAWN FUNERAL HOME 8251 Hillcrest Road Kansas City, MO 816-523-1234