Catherine Marie (Martinez) Lewis, 49, of Norborne, passed away peacefully at Fitzgibbon Hospital in Marshall, Thursday December 30th, 2021, surrounded by loving family.   

Cathy was born June 7th, 1972 in Fremont, California, the daughter of Joseph Frank Martinez, Sr. and Barbara (Goetjen) Martinez.  She was united in marriage to Mitchell D. Lewis of Kansas City, her best friend.   They began their love affair July 4th, 1995, married 10 years later on March 5, 2005 and lived in blissful happiness during their 15 years of married life.  They raised their children in Buckner and Kearney, before settling in Norborne.     

Cathy and Mitch were parents to 6 adoring children: Alanna Dozier and fiancé Tyler Austin of Richmond; Amanda Dozier Bates and husband Justin of Carrollton; Alexa Lewis Buxton and husband Isaiah of Blue Springs; Aarion Lewis of Carrollton; Madison Beaver of Independence; and Ryan Higgins of Richmond.  

Cathy loved and adored her grandchildren: Isabel Marie Bates, Ivy Lynn Bates, and Mila Rose Shaul. Being a “Nana” was her favorite thing, and she spent much of her time playing, and laughing with her grandbabies. She hated taking pictures, but would always take pictures with them; they had her heart. 

Cathy leaves many family members: Mother Barbara Martinez of Carrollton, sister Tamara Martinez Gaunce and husband Robert of Tonganoxie; brother Joseph ‘JoJo’ Martinez, Jr. and wife Christie of Olathe; brother Richard Martinez of Independence; brother Joseph J. Martinez and wife Lynn of Santa Cruz, California; precious nieces and nephews: Genna Gaunce Jenkins, Kyle Gaunce, Aric Gaunce, Abigal Ridgway, Noelle Martinez, Michael Beardslee, Jordan Martinez, Parker & Tyler Kellum, and Luke Martinez; and numerous great nephews. She was preceded in death by her father and her sister, Barbara Martinez Beaver.    

Cathy finished school at Raytown High School and became a woman of many passions and talents.  In addition to devoting time to her family, she focused attention and care to children from broken or troubled homes in the neighborhood by offering to listen to them, being sure that everyone felt included and welcomed.   Her young soul was evident by the huge smile on her face, infectious laugh, and the singing! She loved to sing.   One favorite song was “Paper Roses” she sang at family gatherings.   Playing board games, dancing to 70’s 80’s music, shopping at garage sales, trying new crafts, and driving to small town festivals in the golf cart were among her favorite activities. She mastered the art of couponing and was a wizard of frugal-nomics which allowed for splendid vacations at the ocean beaches for the entire family, including her loyal German Shepherds - Dakota, Mercy, and Cooper.   Her faith and relationship with God was important to her and was demonstrated through worshiping at church & the lessons she taught her children: “Go to church and keep talking to God.  Learn to forgive others like you also want to be forgiven.  Be kind, for you never know what someone is going through.”   People described her as compassionate, generous, and self-less.  She was fun loving, energetic, playful, witty and had a wonderful sense of humor.   She loved life.     

The family suggests contributions be made on behalf of cremation.   They can be addressed to Mitch Lewis and mailed to his home at 405 W. 4th St. Norborne, MO 64668 or left at Thurman Funeral Home 507 East Main Street – PO BOX 190, Richmond Mo 64085.  

No services are scheduled at this time.  Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond is in charge of arrangements.  Please remember to share your memories of Cathy with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.