Ann C. Martin

Ann C. Witzl Martin, 72, peacefully passed away in the arms of her children on Sunday, February 23, 2025, in Liberty, MO. 

Ann was born on January 10, 1953, in St. Louis, MO, to her loving parents, Dorothy and Harry Witzl. She was the middle of three children, growing up with a built-in best friend in her sister, Joan. Ann graduated from Jennings High School in 1971 and began her college education at Drury College. After meeting the love of her life, she returned to St. Louis, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Disorders from Fontbonne College in 1976.

 Ann married the late Stephen A. Martin in 1974, and together they had three children. The family briefly lived in Ohio before settling in their forever home in Liberty, MO, in 1981. In 1982, Ann began working for Liberty Public Schools as a kindergarten aide before joining William Jewell College in 1984, where she worked for over 30 years. During her tenure at Jewell, Ann formed lifelong friendships with her colleagues, and many students became an extension of her family. She and Steve had a knack for making everyone feel at home, often welcoming students in for a warm, home-cooked meal or even a place to stay when the dorms were closed. Their door was always open, their table always full, and no one left without feeling like part of the family. 

While Ann’s greatest joy was being a mother, nothing compared to the love she had for her grandsons. She poured her heart into raising her children, supporting their dreams, and embracing their friends as her own. But when she became "Nana," her love only grew stronger. Her seven grandsons were her pride and joy, each carrying treasured memories of her love, laughter, and unwavering devotion. 

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Stephen; her son, Jeremy; her sister and best friend, Joan; her parents, Dorothy and Harry Witzl; and her niece, Mia Witzl. 

Ann’s legacy lives on through her children, Scott and Kristen Martin and Katie and Greg Lawson, as well as her seven grandsons: Samuel, Benjamin, and Zachary Martin; Matthew, Cameron, and Brooks Lawson; and Barrett Martin. She is also survived by her brother, Bob Witzl (Joy), and many dear friends who were like family. 

Visitation is scheduled for Saturday, March 1, at 12:00 PM, followed by the funeral service at 1:00 PM, with a reception to follow at Liberty United Methodist Church, 1001 Sunset Ave., Liberty, MO 64068. A graveside service will be held at 4:00 PM for those able to join the family at Glen Ridge Cemetery, where Ann will be laid to rest with Steve and Jeremy. We look forward to celebrating Ann’s life and the love she shared with all of us. 

Memorial contributions may be made to two of Ann’s favorite places, where she proudly cheered from the sidelines as the number one fan of her children and their friends: • Liberty High School Athletic Department – Ann Martin Memorial Fund, providing coaches with funds to anonymously help athletes participate in team activities. (https://liberty.revtrak.net/highschools/liberty-high-school/ann-martin-donation/) • William Jewell College Athletics – Meals Fund, providing coaches with additional funds for pregame meals, one of Ann’s favorite contributions. (https://alumni.jewell.edu/give/cardinal-athletic-fund Please designate Ann Martin Memorial.) 

Scott and Katie extend their heartfelt gratitude to the entire Norterre family for surrounding Ann with the same love, care, and hospitality that she so freely gave to others throughout her life.