Willena Martin

Willena Jewel (Tunstall) Martin born October 2, 1922, in Eufaula, Oklahoma. She died June 25, 2024, in Ellis, Kansas. 

Willena was proud of her family. She was an excellent cook and there was always room at the table for any extra kid that came home. She always had a garden and loved roses. 

Willena was an active participant in her community. She was a lifelong Democrat and served on the school board and city council in Chase, Kansas. She was the postmaster at the Chase Post Office for 20 years. Willena was active as a volunteer in hospitals, the Foster Grandparent program(Chase and Ellis), and the Sternberg Museum. After she retired she spent time traveling and visiting family. Her memberships included: the Retired Postmasters Association, Ladies Auxiliary VFW, the St. Mary’s Altar Society (Chase), and the Daughters of Isabella. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Effie Tunstall; siblings Roy and Juanita who died in infancy; brother Kenneth and sisters HaraLee and Betty; sons James and Joseph; granddaughter Melissa; and her husband Woodrow Martin. 

Willena is survived by children: Virginia (Doug) Spurlock, Philip (Cappy Gaschler) Martin, Anne (Dave) Gurss, and Kenneth (Stephanie) Martin. Grandchildren: Tony Spurlock, Lorene Ruiz, Jamie Martin, Jed Martin, Nicole Hammond, Jenifer Wood, Charles Martin, and Lucas Gurss. Eleven great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. 

Family plans a private Celebration of Life luncheon in order to share stories and memories about this remarkable woman. Cremains will be interred at St. Mary’s cemetery (Chase) in a private ceremony.

Memories and words of comfort may be shared on Willena's tribute page at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com. 

Memorials are suggested to FHSU Foster Grandparents Program.

Services are in care of Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory - Keithley Funeral Chapel 400 East 17th Ellis, KS 67637.