Vera Ruth Martin

Vera Ruth Martin, 92, of Independence, Missouri passed away February 16, 2025 at NorthCare Hospice House in North Kansas City, Missouri. 

Vera was born on October 7, 1932 in St. Louis, Missouri, to John Henry Eckert and Olinda Carolina Anna (nee’ Wolter) Eckert. The family moved to a farm outside of Warrenton, Missouri during her early childhood years, where she learned to value hard work and family connections, personal responsibility and faith in God. 

Vera exemplified her work ethic all her life, from helping her parents on the farm to working part-time and full-time jobs over the years as kitchen help, waitressing, and office typing to make ends meet. She married Charles W. Brock on May 9, 1953, and together they had six children. She dedicated her life to raising her children, and considered the raising of her six children to be her finest achievement. Following her divorce in 1972, she attended classes at Dickerson Business College in Kansas City to enhance her typing and office skills, and she ultimately retired in 2004 from a 24-year career as a data transcriber for the Social Security Administration. Once her children were raised, her interests turned to embroidery, knitting, and quilting, and she had a special affinity for dogs. She always appreciated working outdoors in the yard, and was committed to walking twice daily for many years. In her retirement years, The Palmer Senior Center in Independence became her destination of choice, and it is there that she met her dear second husband Norman C. Martin. Vera and Norman were married on September 13, 2009 and they enjoyed 11 years together before Norman went home to his Lord in 2020. 

Vera was preceded in death by both her parents, her brother Robert John Eckert, her husband Norman, two sons, Michael Lindell Brock and Richard Wayne Brock, one grandson, Ryan Earl Linneman, and one son-in-law, Stephen Eugene Stegeman. She is survived by four of her children: Debra Ann Linneman, David Wayne Brock and wife Deborah, Carolyn Ruth Stegeman, and Linda Ruth Jennings and husband Darin; and by three step-sons: Larry Martin and wife Patti, Tony Martin and wife Eve, and Michael Martin. In addition, she has numerous grandchildren, step-grandchildren, and great- and step-great-grandchildren. 

Visitation will be at Speaks Suburban Chapel in Independence, Missouri, at 9AM on Sunday, February 23, 2025, with a memorial service immediately following at 10AM. Burial will be at Oak Ridge Memorial Gardens in Independence. In lieu of flowers, donations to NorthCare Hospice House are encouraged and appreciated.