Beaulah Whitehorn-Martin

Beulah Mae “Kelly” Whitehorn Martin was born December 9, 1960 in Pawnee, OK and passed from this life in Wichita, KS on May 27, 2021, two weeks after the passing of her loving husband of 25 years, Robert Clayton Martin. Kelly’s Ponca name was Lo-wi-sa.

Kelly used her creativity while employed with the Sedgwick County Extension Office as a Nutritionist for more than 15 years. While with the Durham Student Transportation Services, USD 259 for five years, she was dearly loved by her Special Education students. She ended her career by helping coordinate services for the homeless at the House of Grace with the Wichita Indian United Methodist Church.

Kelly enjoyed community activities, such as, powwows and other Native American functions; shawl making and sewing other gifts; and, serving as a committee member of the Great Plains Powwow Club and of the Mid America All Indian Center. A highlight of her community involvement in Wichita  was being a member of the citywide committee that initiated the rededication of the Keeper of the Plains. One of her most fun activities was Bingo!

Kelly’s proudest achievement was to see her son Derrick become a very fine man who, like her, also serves his Native community. In addition to her son Derrick and adopted son Daniel Rathbun, Kelly is survived by her siblings Diana LeRoy, Dana LeRoy, Shannon LeRoy, Cynthia Rutledge White, and John Rutledge; adopted sisters Gwen Shunatona, Roberta Ware and Charlene Marvin; and, numerous nieces, nephews and grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents Logan and Suzatah McCuley, and George Sr. and Louisa Collins Whitehorn; and, siblings Edward Dawson and Sky Rutledge.