Martha Sue Cox Olander died peacefully Monday, October 30, 2017. Martha Sue or “Mar Sue” as known by her friends, was born June 20, 1931, to Edward M. Cox and Marie Garrigues Cox. She attended Hale Cook and Bryant Elementary schools, and Southwest High School. She then attended William Woods College and graduated from the University of Missouri –Columbia .
She married John (Jay) Willard Olander, Jr November 10, 1954, and was married for 59 years. They had three children, Susan, Morgan and Marian. Martha Sue was a member of Pi Beta Phi, the Junior League, and Leavenworth Pork Producers, which she served as President.
She enjoyed spending her free time volunteering as a Docent at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the Crittendon Children’s Center, and Children’s TLC. Martha Sue was a caring, kind, compassionate woman who taught children with Dyslexia at The Barstow School, many of whom learned to read because of her.
Martha Sue loved her family and community of friends. She had a strong group of lifelong friends with whom she celebrated birthdays, traveled throughout the country, and started the “Teacup” investment club. She was also known to gather families together for parties and celebrations. She and Jay were best known for their annual Fourth of July party at the farm which they held for over 40 years involving multiple generations of families. Martha Sue made it a point to know and was always interested in her children’s friends and loved spending time catching up with them.
children and the surrounding community. As a result of her fun-loving personality she developed many friendships throughout her life. She was always happy, extremely loyal and loved by all, including her dogs. She lived up to one of her favorite quotes, “Be the person your dog thinks you are. ”
Martha Sue was preceded in death by her husband Jay, her parents, her brother Edward M. “Bud” Cox Jr, her sister-in- laws Nancy Welch Cox, and Madalene Olander Woodbury. She is survived by children , Susan Olander, Morgan Olander and his wife Pam, and Marian Olander Tutera and her husband Joe; her nine grandchildren, Austin (Leah) and Carolyn McKune, Ryan, Carter, & Emma Olander, Laura, Hannah, Dominic and Joseph C Tutera Jr; and great-granddaughter Claire McKune as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family would like to thank Dana Sue Bethard for her devoted and loving care, support and companionship for over twelve years. We would also like to thank the doctors, nurses, caregivers, and staff at Monterey Park Rehabilitation & Health Care Center in Independence, Mo.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00pm, Monday, November 6, 2017 at Forest Hills Chapel of Memories, 6901 Troost, Kansas City, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Martha Sue’s memory to The Alzheimer’s Association – Heart of America, 3846 W 75th, Prairie Village, Kansas 66208.
