Martha Kate Duggins

Martha Kate Duggins passed away peacefully in the late hours of Friday, November 8, 2024. She was the matriarch whom the family affectionately called the Queen Bee. She was a discerning woman of exquisite taste who lived a beautiful and blessed life of 81 years.

Martha was born on August 14, 1943 to William Cecil and Alma Ruth Butler in Tomkinsville, KY. She is preceded in death by her parents.

Martha graduated from Breckenridge County High School in 1961 and received her degree from Western Kentucky in 1965. She married Mike in 1964 and during their 35 years of marriage had two children: Michelle and Michael.

Martha’s teaching career was spent in Boone County Schools. She retired after 33 years while at Ryle High School in 2001. She wasn’t just a Home Economics teacher, she was a teacher of life who valued each and every one of her students from all walks and without judgement. For many students she wasn’t just a teacher, she was a friend. It was both humbling and heart warming for the family to witness all the lives she touched throughout the years.

After retirement, when she was at home you could find Martha watching her beloved Louisville Cardinals playing football or basketball, watching a favorite tv show, reading her daily newspaper or reading a book, surrounded by giraffes. In society you could find her meeting up with friends active in the Retired Teachers Association. She loved Broadway and attended the Aronoff regularly. But it was her four grandkids, Tyland, Madison, Brayden and Alexis, that devoured most of her time as she was not one to miss a single important event in their lives. Her children and her grandchildren were her heart and soul. Family vacations, milestones, and holidays will not be the same without her.

Martha is survived by her children and grandchildren: Michelle and Shane Burch, Michael and Rashell Duggins, Tyland and Arazeli Duggins, Madison Burch, Brayden Burch and Alexis Duggins.

There will be a gathering for family and friends at Linnemann Funeral Home, 1940 Burlington Pike, Burlington, KY on Monday, November 18, 2024 starting at 4pm with a memorial service immediately following at 7pm. Inurnment will be private at Highland Cemetery in Fort Mitchell, KY on Tuesday, November 19, 2024.

Martha contributed to many charities and causes she believed in throughout her life. Donations may be made in her honor to either savethemusic.org or stjude.org.