Marty K. (Helm) Brunetti, 96, of Odessa, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, December 27, 2023. Her family plans to have her ashes interred with her husband, Barney in Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, MO. Donations in memory of Marty can be made to the DAR Good Citizenship scholarship. Make checks payable to Gilead Rupe Chapter DAR and mail to Connie Lee 10460 Varner Rd, Odessa, MO 64076.
Marty was born on November 7, 1927, in Overland Park, Kansas. She was the sixth and last child of Floyd A. and Inez (Miles) Helm. Marty worked for Western Surety Company and resigned as an officer in 1960. She was married first to John W. “Jack” Brayley and two sons were born: John Steven “Steve” and David Michael “Homer”. Married second to Barney J. Brunetti in 1958.
Joining DAR in 1977, Marty soon found a home in TaBeau Chapter. She organized a chapter in Odessa Gilead Rupe Chapter, a small but active group. She joined the Daughter of 1812 Chapter at Marshall in 1981. Marty was appointed State Registrar and held the office for 12 years. In 2012, she resigned as chapter registrars of both DAR and 1812 and State Registrar of 1812. In 2015, Marty was nominated for the Spirit of 1812 Award by her chapter. Her outstanding contributions to the societies since 1975 include gathering materials, publishing them, and donating copies to the local libraries including the Midwest Genealogical Library in Independence. Her love of genealogy led to publishing several books on Lafayette County Cemeteries. In all, she published 7 Lafayette County Cemeteries and 2 Jackson County Cemeteries, as well as 3 marriage books and an 1860 Census book, all Lafayette County.
Marty was preceded in death by her husband, Barney Brunetti and her son, David.
Her survivors include son, Steve Brayley (Terri); two grandchildren, Dena Suftko (JJ) and John Brayley; five great-grandchildren; and stepdaughter, Peggy Cotter.
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, MO 816-690-4441