Stephanie (Southard) Martens of Lenexa, KS left us on November 29, 2019 after a courageous fight with cancer. Stephanie would have been 53 on January 1, 2020. As Human Resource Director of Ameristar Casinos, Inc., she positively influenced the careers of many, including her niece, Lindsay and nephew, Drew. Stephanie was a casual but confident chef, but her culinary passion was baking. That passion has been passed along to her niece Claire – cooking together is one of their true connections. Stephanie shared a unique bond with everyone she touched and the bond she shared with her nephew Cole is one that was truly special. She rarely turned down a taco accompanied by salted margarita. Stephanie was also extremely competitive and loved to compete. She loved snow skiing and many team sports and was usually out to win – in a “FUN” way. Though Stephanie would readily meet her friends and family for social events, she was equally comfortable at home, her happy place. She leaves behind the pride and joy of her life and her best friend, daughter Lauren. Stephanie is preceded in death by her father, Chuck Southard. She is survived by her close friend and mom, Betty Southard, brother Jeff (Trisha, nephew, Cole and niece, Claire) Southard, dear friend Doug Martens, Uncle Bob, Cousin Jon, Aunt Caroline, Uncle CA, Vicki Holmgren (Parmalee), and Greg Parmalee, including the Martens family. She was also encircled by a group of long-time friends. Her family and friends will miss her infectious sense of humor, her laugh, and her contagious optimism for life.
Services will be held Thursday, December 5, at Johnson County Funeral Chapel – 11200 Metcalf Avenue – Overland Park, KS 66210 (visitation from 10am to 11am, followed by a celebration of life service at 11am (https://www.johnsoncountychapel.com/). Stephanie was a huge animal lover and volunteer for a local animal shelter. In lieu of flowers, (imagine a happy and healthy home for abandoned animals) please consider a donation to Wayside Waifs. https://secure.waysidewaifs.org/site/Donation2?df_id=4142&4142.donation=form1&mfc_pref=T