Connie Lee Martin, 81, of Denver, CO, died peacefully on January 16, 2024 after a long illness.
Connie was born on May 24, 1942, in Ogallala, NE, to Max and Alice Foster. Connie attended Denver East High School. She then went on to work at Bell South, Lockheed Martin, Security Life of Denver, and ING Insurance. Connie also obtained a degree in History from the University of Colorado.
Growing up, Connie spent her summers and vacations eagerly traveling by train to Ogallala to visit her beloved grandmother, Mary Sibal, and her uncle, Bill Sibal. She especially loved riding her bike all over town to visit other relatives, looking at cottonwood trees, Nebraska sunsets, and starry night skies.
In the midst of raising three children, Connie pursued her passion for learning, particularly Russian History and playing Trivial Pursuit. Late into the night, Connie could be found engrossed in crossword puzzles or delving into the pages of a good book. She was especially proud of the fact that all her children earned college degrees.
Connie’s true joy lay in shopping and her love for animals, particularly Scottish and West Highland Terriers. Her compassionate heart extended to all animals, especially those in need. In recent years, she and her loving husband of 53 years, Will, ran an antique business. They frequently journeyed back to Ogallala to visit with her favorite people: Joe and Helen VanCura, Mary Hahn, Dorris and Don Haldeen, Gerald Hahn, Judy Shelborne, and Sharon Terry.
Connie is survived by her husband of 53 years, William Martin; three daughters, Hillary Berg (Jason) of Spokane, WA, Melissa “Mo” Gonda (Mike) of Roswell, GA, and Vanessa Yohe (Eric) of Denver, CO and six grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the ASPCA. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com.
Funeral services will be on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at 10:00 am at Prairie Hills Funeral Home Chapel in Ogallala, with Pastor Curtis Magelky officiating. Interment will be in the Ogallala Cemetery.
Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.