Nannette Martin

Nannette (Pitman) Martin, 88, went through Heaven’s Gate on October 17, 2021 at Newman Regional Hospital in Emporia, KS. Muriel Nannette Pitman was born in Minneola, Kansas on May 27, 1933. She was the daughter of J. Frank and Modena Helen (Porter) Pitman.

Nannette attended and graduated from the Minneola public schools and had a love for learning, especially music, at an early age. In high school, she performed regularly in the region and at music contests on the flute and piano. Nannette continued her education at the University of Kansas where she graduated with a Bachelor of Music Education Degree in 1955. While at KU, she was a member of Delta Delta Delta social sorority and Sigma Alpha Iota music fraternity, as well as several other professional and academic societies. Nannette especially enjoyed her years in the KU symphony.

It was at the University of Kansas that she met her beloved husband, Loren Martin, who predeceased her on March 29, 2015. They were married in Haven, KS on August 14, 1955, and were devoted for a wonderful 59 years.  Nannette taught elementary school music in the Sunflower-DeSoto, KS schools and was an elementary and high school vocal music teacher in Halstead, KS. The Martins moved to Emporia in 1961 where she taught a large class of private flute and piano students. Nannette later enrolled in library education at Kansas State Teachers College, now Emporia State University, where she earned a Master of Librarianship degree in 1968.

While she was in graduate school, Nannette taught as a graduate assistant in the E.S.U. Library School. The opportunity to be a librarian at the E.S.U. William Allen White Library came soon after and “Nan” spent 28 years on the E.S.U. faculty, first as a general reference librarian and later as head of the government documents department. The interaction and service with the college students, faculty and community added a new and much enjoyed dimension to her life.

Nannette had many interests in her life, but nothing surpassed her love for her family. She was proud of her children and regularly attended their programs and performances. She also served as a Girl Scout leader and a Boy Scout Den Mother. Later she enjoyed being “Mimi” to her grandchildren and then to her great-grandchildren.  Besides music, she also enjoyed art, travel, literature, flower gardening and a variety of sports events. Her wide circle of friends also provided special pleasure throughout her life. She was always a faithful servant of the Lord, and a lifelong member of the Methodist Church including Emporia First United Methodist Church. Nannette was a strong supporter of Emporia State University activities including academics, sports and the arts. Nannette was also an avid fan and supporter of University of Kansas events including the arts, Jayhawk basketball and baseball.

Her memberships included Emporia First United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, Chapter GT of the P.E.O. Sisterhood of which she was a 60 year member, and Friends of the Emporia Public Library. Nannette was a member for many years of the American Library Association and the Kansas Library Association, serving as state president of KLA College and University section. She was chosen Emporia Gazette “Woman of the Week” in the 1990’s.

Surviving family members are daughter Kimberly Martin, Vancouver, WA; son Stephen (Nina Lindstrom) Martin, Canton, KS; grandson Jordan (Kelcey) Clapp, Blue Springs, MO; granddaughter Mariel Clapp, Kansas City, MO; great-grandchildren Emilia, Oliver, Hazel and Ruby Clapp; cousin Lynn Pitman, Minneola, KS and sister-in-law Naida Butterfield, Greeley, CO. Several nephews and nieces survive as well as many treasured friends.

Nannette was predeceased by her parents; husband Loren; sister Francia Goltz; and brother David Pitman.

Cremation is planned with a private graveside service at Memorial Lawn Cemetery.  A memorial service will follow in the spring of 2022.  The family suggests memorial contributions to Emporia State University Symphony, Emporia First United Methodist Church Organ Fund, Friends of the Emporia Public Library or to an organization of personal choice. They can be sent in care of Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, PO Box 175, Emporia, Kansas 66801.