05/17/2026
I just realized I never shared this and some of you might not be friends on my personal page. Over the last year, I have had several unexpected closures. More so recently than ever. I’m trying my best to get back to normal and feel that you deserve the best of me. Each day is a new challenge but I will continue to strive to give you what you have come to expect from me. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Julie K Martens (Kosmiski), 71 of Higginsville, Missouri passed away on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at Sage Grove in Blue Springs, Missouri. She was born Saturday, October 9, 1954, in Lexington, Missouri, to the late William Kosmiski and the late Joe Ann (Mason) Kosmiski. She was a 1972 graduate of Lafayette County C-1 in Higginsville and later earned a Bachelor’s degree in interior design from CMSU in Warrensburg, Missouri.
On April 27, 1974, she married the love of her life, Juel Martens and together they shared 52 wonderful years of marriage, building a life centered around love, family, and community. Julie began her career working for Montgomery Ward and Hollis & Miller before following her creative passions and opening her own businesses, The Holiday Peddlar and The McCord House. She was a gifted artist, painter, quilter and crafter whose creativity touched countless lives. Julie loved teaching art classes and sharing her talents with others. She enjoyed sharing her artistic eye to local floral shops volunteering during holidays to assist with floral arrangements as well.
In 1987, Julie’s family became the talk of the town when their home was moved from Shelby Street to the very end of Lipper Street; a memory many in the community still remember today. Julie had a deep appreciation for beauty in all forms. She loved quilting, genealogy, history, and she took pride in making her community a more beautiful place by planting flowers, tending plants, and even pulling weeds wherever she saw a need. Her kindness and care for others could be seen in both the large and small things she did every day.
Above all else, Julie loved her family and her community. Her children were the light of her life, and one of her greatest joys was spending Saturday mornings going out for breakfast with Juel while completing the newspaper crossword puzzle together. Julie will be remembered for her gentle spirit, caring heart, creative soul, and the warmth she brought to everyone who knew her.
Surviving are her husband, Juel Martens of the home: three daughters, Kathryn "Kate" (Jordan) Anthony of Overland Park, KS, Sarah (Jason) Welch of Sweet Springs, MO and Molly (Chris) White of Gladstone, MO; six grandchildren, Henry Anthony, Eleanor Anthony, Bailey (Matt Wolfe) Welch, Jackson (Kyndall) Welch, Abigail White, Oliver White; and one great-grandchild, Aspen Wolfe. She was preceded in death by her parents; one half-brother, Vincent Kosmiski; and one half-sister, Ann Kosmiski.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday, June 12, 2026, at Stewart-Hoefer Funeral Home, 1600 Main St. Higginsville, Missouri 64037. A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 13, 2026 at Grace United Methodist Church located at 16 W. 15th St. Higginsville, Missouri 64037. Her ashes will be laid to rest in the Higginsville City Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be made to Harvey J. Higgins Historical Society c/o Higginsville Depot, or Baby Grace c/o Grace United Methodist Church, or The Women's Alzheimer's Movement - www.thewomensalzheimersmovement.org
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Stewart-Hoefer Funeral Home and online condolences may be made to the family at www.stewarthoeferfuneralhome.com
