Dorothy Babette “Babs” Marten, 92, passed peacefully with her daughter by her side on June 30, 2024 at Kavanagh House Hospice in Des Moines. Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Urbandale with burial at Iowa Veterans Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at Gloria Dei.
Babs was born December 30, 1931 in Curtis, Nebraska to Lester Dempsey and Lottie LeDene Kempton. At the age of 17 in a one room schoolhouse, she began a prolific career in education. Babs proudly graduated from Drake University in 1961 with a Bachelors of Education, which she earned attending night and Saturday classes. In 1974, she furthered her education, graduating with her Masters Degree from Drake University. Babs devoted many years to the West Des Moines School system until she left to join Heartland Area Education Agency. As a consultant for AEA, she championed the needs of those with special education needs until her retirement in June 1991.
On June 23, 1951, Babs married the love of her life, Clifford Paul Marten. Babs and Cliff welcomed their daughter, Wendy Sue in 1954 and later adopted a son, Jonathan, in 1965. They were married for 66 wonderful years. Throughout her life, Babs cherished her family and friends. She was an avid letter correspondent, bowler, gardener and stamp collector. When she and Cliff eventually moved to Wesley Acres retirement community, she became a valued member serving in the "Gift and Gab" shop, and established herself as the "cookie lady," baking cookies for any and all.
Babs is survived by her daughter, Wendy (Mark) Stavish; son, Jonathan Marten; grandchildren, Matthew Stavish, Megan Frohm and Kaitlyn Muchmore; great-grandchildren Zacary, Luke, Harper, Wiley, Madeline, Sawyer and Eliza; her five siblings, Joan, Thomas, Marcia, Beverly and Barbra. Babs was preceded in death by her parents and her loving husband, Cliff.
Memorial contributions may be made to Everystep Kavanagh House Hospice or Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
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