Martha Kielhorn Gaines

Martha Jean Kielhorn Gaines, a beloved wife, sister, mother, and grandmother, passed away on March‬‭ 29, 2024. She was born on December 29, 1940, in Harrisburg, Illinois to parents Jennie and William‬‭ Kielhorn. She was the oldest of four children.‬

She is survived by her two daughters, Laura Lynn Gaines and Elissa Margaret Pitts (Shawn Pitts); her‬‭ grandchildren, Amanda Gaines, Jarett Pitts, Macy Pitts, and Ryder Pitts; and her siblings, Bonita Gordon,‬‭ Janet Suffern, and Rick Kielhorn. She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert Gaines, her mother,‬‭ father, and brother, Bill Kielhorn.‬
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Education was very important to Martha, and she distinguished herself early on as the Valedictorian of her‬‭ high school class. She pursued her passion for learning, earning her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in‬‭ Food Science and Nutrition from the University of Illinois. Her dedication and hard work were evident in‬‭ her work as a lab assistant and teacher, collegiate instructor, state extension agent, and airline reservationist at Continental Airlines.‬
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On August 27, 1961 , Martha married Robert "Bob" Gaines, her high school sweetheart and the love of her‬‭ life. They shared countless cherished moments until Bob's passing in 2001. Bob was a teacher and‬‭ coach, and Martha was the greatest (and loudest) fan. With the benefits Martha received from her time‬‭ working for Continental Airlines, Martha and Bob had the opportunity to travel to many different places,‬‭ finding immense joy in exploring the world and creating lasting memories. Bob would often exclaim that‬‭ they were going to "go broke flying for free". They passed their love of travel along to their children and‬‭ grandchildren.‬

‭ Martha found immeasurable pleasure in her role as a grandmother, and her grandchildren were her pride‬‭ and joy (Even if some of them were Chiefs fans!). She delighted in talking and hanging out with her‬‭ granddaughter Amanda, who was blessed with Bob's red hair; or waiting for a phone call from her oldest‬‭ grandson Jarett whenever the Rockies hit a "ham slam"; or watching Hallmark movies and loaning her‬‭ clothes to her youngest granddaughter Macy; or calling her youngest grandson Ryder "to fix" her‬‭ computer, phone, T.V., etc., and to help her spend her Kohl's cash. Martha believed a grandmother's duty‬‭ was to spoil her grandchildren, and she did it beautifully with her unwavering love, her unconditional‬‭ support, and her irrevocable passion.‬
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An avid sports enthusiast, Martha passionately supported the Broncos, Rockies, Colorado State‬‭ University, University of Illinois, and Poudre High School. Her enthusiasm for sports was infectious, and‬‭ her cheers (and occasional jeers) could be heard echoing from the stands or her home. Her enthusiasm‬‭ for sports was matched only by her love for a good game of Bridge with her friends, relishing in the‬ camaraderie of friendly competition. She would often brag about bringing home the winning pot of a dollar‬‭ or the losing prize of a quarter. In her leisure time, Martha enjoyed watching Jeopardy and Dateline and‬‭ indulging her creative side through crafts, sewing, and cooking.‬

Martha Jean Kielhorn Gaines leaves behind a legacy of love and strength. She will be deeply missed by‬‭ all who had the privilege of knowing her, and her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those she‬‭ touched.‬

‭ A memorial service to celebrate Martha's life will be held at the Fort Collins Marriott‬‭ (350 East Horsetooth‬‭ Road‬‭ )‬‭ on Monday, April 22 at 12:30 in the afternoon. There will be light hors d'oeuvres and refreshments‬‭ following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the‬‭ Bob and Martha Gaines‬‭ Undergraduate Research Fellowship in Mathematics‬‭ or to Brent's Place,‬‭ a‬‭ long-term home away from‬‭ home for families and children with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses while they receive‬ treatment at local hospitals.
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