Rev. Martha "Marty" Jean Hermanstorfer passed peacefully at home in Arvada on Wednesday morning, February 21, 2024, with her loving family at her side.

Born and raised in Ottumwa, Iowa, her parents were Lawrence and Jean Miner. Marty was a third-generation member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and a member of the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls (elected worthy advisor). She was a 1960 graduate of Ottumwa High School and a student at Ottumwa Heights College. In June 1961, Marty married the love of her life, Ray Hermanstorfer, and last summer, they celebrated their 62-year union. Following their wedding reception, they set out for Colorado with all their worldly possessions in a '53 Ford Customline sedan to start their life together. They officially honeymooned in Estes Park, CO, which became a favorite place of theirs.

Marty obtained her bachelor's in Human Services from Metropolitan State College (MSU of Denver) in 1978 while working at Colorado Christian Home (Tennyson Center for Children). She earned her dual degree, Master of Social Work and Master of Divinity, from the University of Denver/Iliff School of Theology in 1986/1987. She worked as the resident social worker for Hospice of St. John before fulfilling a lifelong dream of becoming a minister. The Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, ordained Marty in September 1987. The sacramental ceremony took place at Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Denver, where Marty and her family were members. In addition to being the first woman deacon of the congregation, she became one of the first ordained women and the first woman to serve as a senior minister to a Disciples of Christ congregation of her own. Reverend Marty was a trailblazer throughout her 30+ years in the ministry, breaking down barriers for ordained women ministers and skillfully combining her social work values with her compassionate approach to the ministry.

After Rev. Marty answered her first call to serve as associate minister at United Church of Christ (UCC) in Longmont, CO, she served as senior minister to her beloved congregations of the following Disciples of Christ churches: Ursa Christian Church in Ursa, IL; Ridgeview Christian Church in Kansas City, MO; First Christian Church in Ft. Morgan, CO (interim senior minister); and First Christian Church in Boulder, CO (interim senior minister), where she retired from the pulpit in January 2010. The Boulder church is now Cairn Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Lafayette, CO, and she and Ray joined the church a year later. Rev. Marty was the search and call representative for the Central Rocky Mountain Region Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) before retiring from ministry in 2015. She brought an accepting and nonjudgmental attitude to all, and her parishioners adored her.

Over the years, she was a committed member of and volunteer for numerous programs, organizations, and boards. One such program, where Marty connected Japanese students to host families in the Church in Colorado, graciously invited her to be their guest in Japan. Honored, Marty was there in 1987 for a month-long stay. Dear to her heart was time spent with Women Touched by Grace, a spiritual renewal program for women pastors serving congregations. She was an inaugural member, and in 2006, she and other members travelled Italy together. Marty's adventurous spirit also took her and Ray on a trip around Germany in 2010. Their attendance at Oberammergau's Passion Play in the Bavarian Alps hamlet was a highlight.

First and foremost, Marty was the loving matriarch of her family. She was a devoted wife, daughter, granddaughter, and friend who shared her zest for life and touched countless others with her kindheartedness, playful humor, and infectious laugh. In nearly every community Marty and Ray lived in, Marty pursued aqua aerobics and delighted in friendships made along the way. She remained an active member as long as she could at the Meyers Swimming Pool in Arvada. In the kitchen, she was well-known for her specialties: lasagna, beef stroganoff, peanut butter fudge, and peanut butter bars. Marty was an avid fan of the Broncos and Rockies but an even bigger fan of her children and grandchildren. Her high-spirited nature and endearing smile remain forever in our hearts.

She leaves behind her husband Ray and their three children- Lisa Talamantes (Michael), Broomfield, CO; John Hermanstorfer (Carrie Cass), Ft. Collins, CO; and Laura Hermanstorfer de Polanco (Jorge), Denver, CO; five grandchildren- Matthew Talamantes, Sarah Talamantes Reed (David), Jessica Talamantes Golter (Luke), Sam Hermanstorfer, and Joshua Hermanstorfer (Savannah); two great-grandchildren- Dakota Talamantes Golter (sister, Noah+) and Beaux Hermanstorfer, with a third great-grandchild due to arrive this spring. She is affectionately called Mormor by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Rest in peace, Mormor. We love you!

Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, June 29, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. Cairn Christian Church, 1700 Stonehenge Dr. Lafayette, CO 80026. Livestream link will be available for the service. Service will be available through the following Zoom link Meeting ID: 819 0565 9824 Passcode: 192808

Memorial donations to the Central Rocky Mountain Region Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) , Lewy Body Dementia Association, Inc. , or Tru Community Care in Colorado are welcome and appreciated.