Martha Jane Kukuk

Martha Jane (Mings) Kukuk, lovingly known as MJ, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2025, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital with her daughter Nan by her side.

Born on June 2, 1932, in Burlingame, Kansas, she was raised on land homesteaded by her great-grandparents, John and Sarah Mings, in 1856. The deep roots of her family's Kansas heritage were a lasting source of pride throughout her life.

MJ graduated from Burlingame High School and went on to attend Emporia State University. Her professional career spanned many years and included roles as a legal secretary for the Shawnee County Attorney and for Milton P. ‘Mitt’ Allen in Lawrence, Kansas. She also served as secretary to the Finance Officer at Forbes Air Force Base and worked part-time at USD 497, Mainline Printing in Topeka, and the Lawrence Board of Realtors.

A dedicated volunteer, MJ gave over 40 years of service to Lawrence Memorial Hospital across multiple departments. She was also a faithful member of First United Methodist Church in Lawrence for more than 50 years, contributing her time and energy to many church activities.

On July 19, 1953, MJ married William (Bill) Kukuk, and together they raised two daughters, Joan and Nan. Family was always at the heart of her world. MJ felt very lucky to be part of the Kukuk family and treasured all the memories they shared.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Gladys (Jacobson) Mings; her brother, Jack Mings; and her beloved daughter, Joan Jones.

She is survived by her daughter Nan Blunk (Buzz) of Shawnee, KS; son-in-law Ray Jones of Prescott, AZ; five granddaughters: Megan Eaton (Matt) of Noblesville, IN; Morgan Stanley (Andrew) of Phoenix, AZ; Monica Meerson (Nick) of Studio City, CA; Nicole Blunk and Sara Blunk, both of Lenexa, KS. MJ's legacy lives on in her great-grandchildren: Logan Ray Eaton, Holland Jane Stanley, Aspen Joan Stanley, and William James Meerson.

For 36 years, she called ‘The Cottages’ in Lawrence home, where she found not only neighbors, but lifelong friends. Her cherished group, affectionately known as ‘The Circle’ provided a close-knit and loving community that allowed her to live independently and joyfully.

A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church in Lawrence on October 24, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. Burial will take place at Burlingame Community Cemetery in Burlingame, KS.