Kay Frances Martin (nee Carnahan) went to her heavenly home on August 12, 2024.   Kay was born on Nov. 13,1935 at Lake Poinsett, South Dakota to Hugh E. Carnahan and Alma Frances Carnahan (nee Monson).  She grew up on the shores of the lake with her beloved horse Ginger and many family pets.  As a young horsewoman, she participated in parades in the Hamlin County area and performed with Ginger.  Kay graduated from Estelline High School in 1953.

Kay attended South Dakota State University in Brookings, graduating in 1957 with a BS in nursing.   Kay was a very caring registered nurse in Linton, ND and Madison, SD over a combined 34 years.

In 1955 she married Robert F. (Bob) Martin in Estelline, South Dakota.   To this union four children were born who survive her:  Shawn (Jill) Martin of Chester, SD, Jay (Cathy) Martin of Madison, SD, Penny (Kevin) Haller of St. Louis, Missouri and Shari (Mitch) Martin of St Louis, Missouri.  She is also survived by seven grandchildren—Miranda (Nate), Bo (Shalace), Kayla (Matt), Ryan (Ashley), Brett (Alexandra), Grace, and Mary (Adam).    She is also survived by eight great-grandchildren: Landry, Korbin, Lavin, Audrey, Clay, Lawson, Bauer and Lettie. As well as one sister-in-law Shirley Martin, four nephews (Jeff, Steve, Wade and David) and three nieces (Linda, Karen and Tricia).

Kay's smile would light up a room, and she developed many lasting friendships over her life. She and Bob loved the Black Hills and surrounding areas, living in Rapid City since 1991.   No matter the distance, she was a beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Over her many years, Kay was an active volunteer in the First Presbyterian Church, Salvation Army, Mount Rushmore Society, and Questors. She loved gardening and was a Master Gardener.   She also loved antiques and even had an appearance on one of the Antique Road Shows. She was an avid photographer, and our family is blessed with many memorable photos.

Kay was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Bob, three brothers-in-law (LeRoy, Ed, and Marwin), three sisters-in-law (Josephine, Ramona and Betty), two nephews (Douglas and Dennis), and a niece (Mary Ann).

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to West Hills Village Foundation of Rapid City, or the First Presbyterian Church of Rapid City.

Funeral is scheduled for Thursday August 15th at 1:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church in Rapid City.

The family extends our heartfelt gratitude to the West Hills Village employees and Hospice of Monument Health for their amazing support, care, and love of our mother.