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Martha (Reavis) DeWitt
Martha Lou (Reavis) DeWitt, age 81, of Kansas City, died peacefully at NorthCare Hospice House on Friday, February 3, 2012, from respiratory failure and heart failure following a bout with pneumonia. Martha was born on October 2, 1930 in Sweet Springs, MO, to Howard and Pauline Reavis, who predeceased her. She attended William Woods College and the University of Missouri-Columbia, graduating from MU in 1952 with a degree in Elementary Education. Her teaching career began in the North Kansas City School District, teaching 2nd grade at Norclay and Crestview Schools for a total of 7 years. During this time, she met Byron DeWitt, whom she married on November 21, 1954, enjoying 57 years of marriage. After many years of raising her 3 children, Martha returned to teaching, concluding her career at Little Folks Preschool, later to become Oak Hill Day School. Raising her children to be respectful, responsible, well-educated, and happy was her priority. She was very involved in their activities, including Girl Scouts, PTA, Sunday School, and sports. Martha also remained a proud member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority.
Following Martha and Byron’s retirement, they were able to travel extensively, particularly enjoying several cruises. In recent years, Martha took particular delight in her seven granddaughters.
Martha is survived by her devoted husband, Byron, and her children Elizabeth (Doug) Fricke, Anne (Greg) Rothers, and Tom (Becky) DeWitt. In addition, cherishing her memory are her granddaughters: Lauren and Lia Fricke, Audrey and Alex Rothers, and Makayla, Claire, and Sarah DeWitt. Martha’s sister Caroline (Bill) Stuerke, niece Maria (Doug) Hedrick, and nephew John Stuerke also survive.
Martha’s family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the wonderful, caring staff at the NorthCare Hospice House, as well as to the nurses and staff on 8 East Pavilion of North Kansas City Hospital. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the NorthCare Hospice House to help families in need will be appreciated and may be left in care of the funeral home.
The family will receive friends from 5-7: 00 p.m. Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at the Meyers Northland Chapel in Parkville. A memorial service will follow at 7:00 p.m. with Rev. Steve Breon officiating.
Our condolences to Martha’s family. She was always a sweet smile
and a cheerful disposition, a pleasure to serve and work with. We
know that Byron and the family will miss her a great deal.
Leland and Letha
My best wishes to Byron and Martha’s family. I hope that
happy memories will help ease your sorrow. Martha and I
were ADPi sisters and lifelong friends even though I live
in California. She was always cheerful and caring and,
I believe, one of God’s angels on earth.
Rainey
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow. I taught 1st grade at Oakhill for many years and enjoyed the time spent with Martha at school!! She was a true sweetheart!
There will always be good memories of Martha DeWitt, the mother of one of my best friends, Anne DeWitt Rothers. I will never forget the many miles of turf she must have logged on her speed walking excursions in the neighborhood of Briarcliff. Look out the window, and there she was, walking at the speed light! She always had good, funny, stories to tell about Anne! Both Martha and Byron always made me feel at home when visiting. God bless Byron and her family.
Kim