Our loss is Heaven's gain.
We mourn her passing. God celebrates her arrival.

Martha M. Kulbe, 86, of Sterling, peacefully passed into eternal life on Sept. 3, 2010, in the loving arms of her family. She enjoyed a long and blessed life and everyone who knew her was blessed by her presence. Friends may visit from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 8, at Chaney-Reager Funeral Home. Services to celebrate Martha's life will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 9, at Chaney-Reager Funeral Home, with Pastor Wayne Hasselquist officiating.

Martha Mae Wagner was born in Sterling Martha M. Kulbe on July 24, 1924, to George E. and Mary C. (Hartwig) Wagner. She was the seventh of 10 children. Martha was a lifelong resident of Sterling and attended Sterling schools.

Martha was a beautiful, tenderhearted, gracious and courageous woman who faithfully served the Lord all her life. She was confirmed in the Lutheran Church and was a member of the Living Word Church of God in Sterling. She always looked forward to Sunday church services.

As a teen, Martha worked at Hecker's Drugstore, Woolworth's, and for a short time at Gates Rubber Company in Denver. As a fountain girl working at the Big Porky in Sterling, she met the love of her life, Clayton B. "Spud" Kulbe, and they were wed in Denver on Oct. 3, 1944. Martha and Spud welcomed son Terry in 1947 and daughter Julie in 1957.

Spud owned Marsau's Inc. and Martha worked as a nurse's aide and also volunteered with the Red Cross as a hospital "gray lady." Together they enjoyed dancing and travel. The family enjoyed many wonderful trips around the U.S. and to Canada, Mexico and Europe. The highlight of their travels was a trip to Italy and surrounding contries to visit son Terry where he was stationed with the U.S. Air Force.

Martha was an extremely hard worker and also a very talented artistic and creative lady. She took great pride in maintaining a lovely home and beautiful yard. She was a marvelus cook and made the best cookies, pies and cakes around. Martha knit beautiful sweaters, crocheted wonderful afghans, and made many lovely counted cross-stitch gifts for lucky family members and friends. She also enjoyed a good game of bingo, shopping and watching the Food Network on TV. She had the uncanny ability to remember all the lyrics to all the old songs she learned listening to "Your Hit Parade" as a youngster.
When Spud was stricken with cancer, Martha tirelessly cared for him as only she could do. Over the years, she was also the caregiver for her parents, in-laws and sisters. In her later years, it became an honor and privilege for those who loved Martha to care for her.

Following a stroke in 2002, Martha continued to live her life with dignity and grace. She bore all of life's afflictions this way and accepted all of life's challenges with a wonderful smile, sense of humor and a sweet disposition.

Martha had a heart of gold and was the heart of her family. She was a loving, devoted mother and the best friend one could ever hope for -- trustworthy and faithful. Martha loved everyone and everyone loved her. She was known to say "I love you more than there are stars in the sky -- more than that." Her life was marked by laughter and love. God has her in His keeping and this precious lady will live in a special place in our hearts forever.

Those left to cherish her memory are her loving children, Terry Kulbe and wife Angela, and Julie Kulbe Cook and husband Duane; grandchildren, Jacqui Kulbe and Bryan Kulbe; sisters, Lillian Kilburn and Marj Connors; brother, Albert Wagner; numerous nieces and nephews; grandcats and granddogs; and many great friends.

Those preceding Martha in death were her parents; her beloved husband Spud in 1996; infant brother and sister, William and Alma; sisters, Minnie Leonard and Esther Keller; and brothers, Eddie Wagner and Art Wagner.

Memorial contributions to honor Martha's memory may be made to Hospice of the Plains or St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

Martha was a delightful, wonderful lady who blessed our lives and we will always love her and cherish her as our precious mother, grandma, aunt and dear friend.
We love you dearly, Mom, and deeply miss you.
Sleep in perfect peace, sweetheart.