Martha “Marty” Waller was born January 15, 1948.  She left this world on February 20, 2025.  She was raised on a grain farm, along with her four siblings, in the beautiful plains of western Kansas.  Her childhood was filled with chores such as driving farm equipment, feeding cattle, tending the garden and raising pigs to competitively show.  She graduated from Ingalls High School, where she was in band, played basketball, ran track and 4-H programs.

After graduating from Kansas State University, with a degree in Child Development, she moved to Kansas City, where her husband, Al, accepted a basketball coaching position at Bishop Hogan High School.  While working in a bridal shop, the owner quickly noticed her talents as a seamstress, and she was put in charge of the alterations department.  Sewing was a  passion for Marty, creating and altering countless numbers of wedding dresses, prom dresses and show costumes.

Marty and Al eventually moved to the quaint town of Branson, Missouri in the mid 70’s.  In the Ozarks, Marty began her other lifelong passion of helping children.  She began an in-home daycare center once her first son was born.  She would watch school teachers’ kids for many years.  In the early 90’s, once her second child entered high school, Marty accepted a position at the College of the Ozarks, managing the Child Development Center.  It was there that she was responsible for hundreds of preschool children, as well as their college-aged student workers, for over 20 years.  Countless numbers of children in Branson area began their formative years in “Ms Marty’s” daycares.

At College of the Ozarks, always in the stands, seated behind her basketball coaching husband, Marty was the Cheerleading Coach for nearly 30 years.  She was a mom and mentor to many students at the college.  Marty also was the organizing force behind countless projects associated with the athletic department. She played a significant role in the success of the NAIA Division II mens basketball tournament by serving as a chair for the opening ceremonies and half time entertainment.

After retiring from the college, Marty continued her service to the community through various charitable organizations, including:  Elevate Branson, Christian Action Ministries (CAM) and Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church.

Many people in the Branson community considered her family, but it was her husband, children and grandchildren that will miss her the most.

A celebration of life will be held at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Branson, Missouri on Thursday, February 27 at 6 PM, with a visitation to follow.  A funeral mass will be held on Friday, February 28th at 10 AM, also at the Catholic Church, with a reception to be held after the service.  A private burial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Marty’s name to the following charities: Elevate Branson and CAM.

https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E358532&id=101

Please follow the link below to view the livestream via Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/OLLBranson