Martha (Ray) Lyle

Martha was born on October 10, 1930 to George W. Ray and Lula Morton Ray (Cobb). She married Harold L. Batrez and they had a son, Gerald L. Batrez. Harold was killed in the Korean War in 1952. Marty later lived in Leavenworth, KA and the surrounding area with her husband, Julian (Jay) E. Williams. During that time, Marty and Jay had an auctioneering business,

Marty owned a beauty shop and they raised sons, Gerry, Steve and Mark. Jay passed away from cancer in 1979. Later, Marty returned to her childhood residence of Smithville where she has lived for more than twenty years. A member of the Catholic Church, Marty will be remembered as a friendly and colorful character with many historical stories about Smithville’s past and present. She enjoyed reading mysteries and had a vast knowledge of antique furniture and collectibles. An only child, Marty was preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her three sons, Gerry L. Batrez and his wife Betty, of Overland Park, KA and grandson United States Marine Corps Private First Class Christopher T. Batrez, who is stationed in the Far East at Thailand; Steven Ray Lowman of Leavenworth, KA and grandchildren, Jacob and Erin; and Mark D. Williams of Branson, MO. Marty truly appreciated and loved her family and friends. Always entertaining with her quick wit, in addition to her family and friends, Marty will be especially missed by her cousins, Linda McComas of Smithville, John S, (Jack) and Fran Morton of Houston and Mollie Sue Morton of Boulder, CO.

Arrangements, Hixson-Klein Funeral Home, Smithville.