Martha Dell Bright Langley, loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend to many, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 24th, 2017, at Brandon Woods at Alvamar in Lawrence, Kansas. A celebration of life will be held at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home on Saturday from 2 to 4 pm.
Martha was born to John and Della Bright on January, 11th, 1926, in Cleburne, Texas.
She was a trailblazer in many ways: the first woman to receive a Masters of Business Administration from and to teach business courses at Texas Christian University. Martha worked her way through college as secretary to Ellis Sowell, Dean of the Business School.
While working at TCU, Dean Sowell introduced Martha to John Langley, then a book salesman for Prentice Hall. Martha and John were married in the TCU Chapel on August 25th, 1954.
She is preceded in death by her husband; both parents; and a sister.
Shortly after moving to Lawrence in 1970, Martha joined “Hilltop Nursery” as Financial Administrator. She invested their first $1,000 certificate of deposit which grew over 36 years and contributed to the construction of the Hilltop Child Development Center building on the KU Campus. During her time at Hilltop, Martha consistently lifted spirits and brought happiness to the lives of countless children and families.
She was involved in many university and community activities including University Women’s Club, 1970 – 2017, serving as President twice and publishing the club’s 100th Anniversary book. Martha was inducted into the Emily Taylor Hall of Fame in 2003. She was also a member of PEO Chapter EA, Founder of the First Tuesday Bridge Group, 1970 – Present, Founder with her husband of Informal Supper Club and Cocktail Fare and a member of Plymouth Congregational Church.
Martha is survived by two daughters, Cindy Leath Belot and Cathy Ann Cain (Matt) and two granddaughters, Katy Belot Hamilton (Barrett) and Martha Allen Belot; and countless friends.
Most of all she loved the beach, reading, playing bridge and gin rummy, Wheel of Fortune and all birds but especially bright red cardinals. She was a woman of strong character who will be remembered for her open heart and kind spirit.
Memorials may be made to the Martha Langley Families in Need Fund through Hilltop Child Development Center, 1605 Irving Hill Road, Lawrence, Kansas, 66045.
