Martha Ann Hamm passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 17, 2026, in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Martha was born on April 20, 1940, to Harold and Marguerite Lundquist. She lived in and served the Independence community her entire life. Martha had a true heart of service and gave generously to those around her by providing affordable child care and housing with a focus on making other people’s lives better.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Tom Hamm, in 1995; her grandson, Tyler Parker, in 2007; her son-in-law, Todd Parker, in 2012; her brother, David Lundquist, in 2013; and her son-in-law, Steve Palmer, in 2023. Her survivors include her brother Robert (Debby) Lundquist, sister-in-law Pam Lundquist, children Sara (Stephen) Ballantyne, Eric (Sharon) Hamm, Susan Palmer, Evan (Lynn) Hamm, Erin (Sandra) Hamm, and Sherri (Billy) Parker. Martha also leaves behind sixteen grandchildren: William (Laura) Ballantyne, Keith (Kali) Hamm, Kyle Hamm, Kurt Hamm, Steven “Mackie” Woods, Samantha Roper, Jordan Hamm, Cecily Hamm, Trey Parker, Spren Davis, Dani (Bryce) Kiely, Dustin Davis, and Skylar Davis; fifteen great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Martha was a lifelong member of the RLDS / Community of Christ church, most recently attending Stone Church near her home. Martha recognized early on that “children need a good place to go when parents work.” She established the Edgewood Day Care with the support of the Edgewood RLDS Congregation. She soon recognized that she could serve more children by opening her own daycare, and that’s when she created “The Nest” in our home on Salisbury Road. The Nest evolved into Oak Meadow Early Childhood Center. She ran Oak Meadow as a private not-for-profit day care for 22 years with locations in Independence and Blue Springs. She intentionally kept her rates below market to help financially struggling parents afford day care. She did the same with her apartment and house rentals through the years, all with a heart of service and gratitude.

Martha was also a key contributor to the creation of the Children’s Peace Pavilion, serving on the planning committee and designing activities, including loft study and play areas. She donated a Lion and Lamb statue that had been used as play equipment at Oak Meadow to the Peace Pavilion. The Saints Herald highlighted her donation with an article on the 10th anniversary of the Temple dedication. The statue continues to reside in the Community of Christ Auditorium at the original Peace Pavilion location.

Martha loved cooking, baking, and spending time with her immediate and extended families. Many times this included a family reunion picnic in Mill Creek Park or summer trips to Pomme de Terre for fishing and camping. She enjoyed Christmas holiday gatherings where Santa would make an appearance to hand out presents to the entire Lundquist extended family. She made it a priority to keep this tradition alive for numerous years. Martha also loved musicals of all kinds and made sure to share this love with all of her children. Another tradition was watching the Ten Commandments and having a sing-along to The Sound of Music each year.

Martha deeply treasured the frequent visits from her family at the care center, finding great joy in the moments they shared together. In her later years, she delighted in learning new things, especially how to navigate YouTube, where she faithfully watched the weekly Beyond the Walls church service. She also discovered the simple pleasures of DoorDash, often treating herself and her great-granddaughter, Mya, to a delivered Frosty or meal, while they painted their nails and watched Mrs. Doubtfire together, moments filled with laughter, love, and cherished memories.

Martha served her community as an active member of the Neighborhood Council, the Good Government League, and the League of Women Voters. She also served 40 years as the Treasurer for Citizens for Effective Leadership, where one of her proudest accomplishments was passing two state audits while maintaining the books by hand without the assistance of any technology, including a simple calculator. Her goal in participating in all of these organizations was to ensure there was equitable representation in local government. She was also a frequent “Letter to the Editor” writer for the Independence Examiner, clearly expressing her concerns when she perceived injustices in the community. Martha contributed her time and effort to extend Lee’s Summit Road from I-70 to 24 Highway, with the foresight of providing an additional north-south transportation route for years to come. Again, all with the focus of doing what was best for the community.

Martha dedicated much of her life to serving her community, which she enjoyed. But her true happiness lay in her love for all her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Every birthday, you could always count on having Mom call and sing “Happy Birthday" to you and often receive a handwritten card sending love, encouragement, and a reminder to walk with God, pray often, and love one another. Mom was so very proud of the beautiful blessings that all our family represents. Even if you were “making poor decisions,” you were still deeply loved and prayed over every day.

One of Mom’s favorite scriptures in Matthew 22:36-39, “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law? Jesus replied, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all of your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

While she is no longer with us here on earth, we truly believe Martha’s spirit will live on in our family and in all the children she cared for and loved over the years.

“Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.” Matthew 25:21

Services will be held Tuesday, May 26, 2026, 10:00 a.m., at Carson-Speaks Funeral Home, 1501 W. Lexington Ave., Independence, MO 64052, with burial to follow at Mound Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Peace Pavilion in honor of Martha, so that her legacy of kindness and compassion may continue to touch the lives of children and others. The family also extends their heartfelt gratitude to Kansas City Hospice for the compassionate care and support provided during her final days.