Louise Martin

Louise Martin, 84, of Ashland and Columbia, passed away on December 16, 2025. Born Frances Louise Martin on February 11, 1941, near Ashland, Louise was the only child of Reba Alice Forbis Martin and Floyd Martin.

Louise spent her early years on the family farm south of Woodlandville and attended the one-room Everett schoolhouse. Later, she attended Jefferson Junior High and graduated from Hickman High School in 1959. After two years at Central College (now Central Methodist University), Louise transferred to the University of Missouri to study education and U.S. history, graduating in 1963.

Louise began her career as a teacher at Hickman High School before finding her way into telecommunications and spending nearly 30 years in the field. Louise worked for Michigan Bell and the United Telephone Company (now Sprint). She served in customer service training and supervisory roles, contributing to major telecommunications milestones, including training users of the ”751” exchange at the Missouri Capitol and the Kansas City International Airport.

After early retirement from Sprint, Louise returned to central Missouri to spend time with her father and later worked for Boatmen’s Bank and First National Bank/Landmark Bank (now Simmons Bank), retiring fully at age 70.

In retirement, Louise stayed busy, serving on the board of the Ashland Optimist Club and the Boone County Historical Society. She was a member of Columbia’s Golden K Kiwanis Club and the Ashland United Methodist Church. In 2013, Louise was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Ashland Board of Alderman and served a stint on the Ashland Planning and Zoning Commission.

Louise is survived by several cousins and many friends.

Aside from work and service to others, Louise was a loyal Cardinals fan who followed the team each season. Along the way, Louise published a book of memories and aphorisms, titled, “I Wasn’t Raised in a Barnyard — and Other Famous Adages and Louise-isms.”

A few words from Louise:

“The first time I rode the Ferris Wheel, I said to Dad, ‘I can’t ride this.’ And he said, ‘If you’re on it, then you ride it out. Such is life.’ ”

Those who knew Louise can attest that she rode out life to its fullest. Known as a strong, generous woman with a “Louise-ism” for every situation and lifelong learner, she enjoyed cultural events, conversation, good food and drink, and time with friends.

A memorial service celebrating Louise’s life will be held at 1:00 PM, Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Robinson-Yager Funeral Home in Ashland. Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM, Saturday, December 27, 2025, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions are suggested to New Salem Cemetery or Coyote Hill Foster Care Ministries.

Condolences may be shared at www.robinsonyagerfh.com.

Robinson-Yager Funeral Home is honored to serve Louise’s family.