Valta Marie Martens (Genthe) passed away peacefully at the age of 98 at her home in Burlington on February 20, 2025. Valta was born on February 16, 1927 at the Farmstead north east of Burlington, Colorado. She was the first born to Henry (Hank) and Francis Genthe. In the spring of 1928, her family moved to a farm north of Burlington where they welcomed their second child and Valta’s brother Harold in July.

Growing up on the farm came with some responsibilities. While her dad was busy in the fields, everyone helped out with milking cows, gathering eggs, and tending to the garden. When Valta was old enough to start school, she attended a one room country school, just north of the farm where she lived until the eighth grade. After that she attended Burlington High School and graduated in the class of 1945. It was at this time while in high school Harold had introduced her to the love of her life Arthur (Art) Martens. Not long after they were united in marriage on December 16, 1945 at her home north of town where she grew up, Art and Valta moved to the farm east of Burlington where he was raised. Here they continued to farm, ranch and run a small milking operation. Two years later, they welcomed the first of four children. LeEtta Marie, born January 2, 1947 followed by Sharon Kay on November 15, 1952, Kent Alan on January 15, 1958, and Dana Lea on March 21, 1959.

Art and Valta worked hard on the farm to provide for their family, however they would try to take a family vacation once a year to travel and visit family out in California, Washington, and Oregon. Out of these trips came many memories with family and friends.

Valta loved to sew, bake, golf, and especially play cards. She rarely missed card club, and if she wasn’t there, she was usually at the golf course. However, above all else she loved her grandchildren the most and she was always there to help with anything they asked of her, no matter how big or small. She and Art seemed to never miss an event that her kids or her grandkids were involved with.

After Art passed away in 2004 Valta stayed at the farm until moving to town in 2010. She stayed active with card club, her women’s church group and took many trips with her friends on the Lazy K Coach. 

Valta is proceeded in death by her husband of 59 years Arthur (Art) Martens. Her parents, Henry (Hank) and Francis Genthe. Her brother Harold Genthe and her daughter Sharon Kay Young. She is survived by her daughter, LeEtta and Dennis Ridder of Burlington. Son Kent Martens of Burlington and youngest daughter Dana and Alan Feit of Eaton, Colorado. Along with numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Valta was a strong and independent woman of faith who loved her family well.  She will be greatly missed. 

Funeral services will be held February 27, 2025 at 10:30 am at The United Methodist Church in Burlington, CO with Committal to follow at Fairview Cemetery in Burlington, CO. 

In Lieu of Flowers Memorial contributions may be made to The United Methodist Church in Burlington, CO or to the charity of your choice in Valta's name and memory.