Nicole "Aunt Cola" Martens

Nicole "Aunt Cola" Martens passed away on May 6, 2026 in Kansas City, Kansas. She was born January 5, 1979 in Kansas City, Missouri. Her parents adopted and brought her home on January 11th. Nicole lived a life defined by unwavering loyalty, strength, and generosity. Her love and fierce dedication to the people closest to her was unmatched. She is remembered as one both deeply resilient and kind.

Nicole graduated from Seaman High School in 1997, marking the beginning of a lifelong commitment to hard work and organization. This would shape her career as an Administrative Assistant. Those who worked alongside her remember her exceptional ability to balance a strong will with a meticulous attention to detail, qualities that made her indispensable and respected throughout her career. She had a strong determination to complete tasks, even throughout her illness.

Beyond her professional life, Nicole was a woman of remarkable character and strength. A passionate reader and photographer, she captured the world around her with clarity and heart. Her love for animals, especially cats and dogs, brought comfort and companionship, as shown by beloved feline friends, Rex and Anomaly. Whether playing games—where she insisted on fairness, rules, and keeping score—or supporting her family at events, Nicole’s loyalty to her people was a hallmark of who she was.

Nicole was preceded in death by grandparents Cliff and Bernice Loreene Parks and John and Doris Martens.

Family was the cornerstone of Nicole’s world. She is survived by: her parents Jerry and Donetta Martens; her life-long companion Barry Gentry and his sons Sean, Zachary, Ethan, and Michael Gentry; siblings Jeff (wife Heather) and Tricia Martens; nieces and nephews Rosa, Tyler, Haleigh and Chance Martens, with whom she especially loved to spend time playing games. She is also survived by many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins. All will miss her dearly. Family was life for Nicole.

In remembering Nicole “Aunt Cola” Martens, we celebrate a life marked by generosity, fierce loyalty, and an unwavering strength. Her legacy will live on in all those she loved.

A Celebration of her Life will be held at Fairlawn Church of the Nazarene on Saturday, May 23, 2026. A visitation with the family will be held from 1:00-2:00, followed by the memorial from 2:00-3:00.

Nicole requested that people come dressed casually, or in her words “however they want.”

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to S.C.A.R.S., an animal rescue near to Nicole’s heart.

To leave a message for her family online, please utilize the guestbook below.