Wall, Kathleen Martin
Kathleen Roberta Martin Wall of Radford VA, Bert to those who knew her best, born in Ronceverte, WV on March 23, 1940 passed away peacefully at the age of 86 on July 23, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.
Kathleen retired as a laboratory technician from the Radford Army Ammunition Plant. Before returning to the RAAP, Bert and Curly Bill co-owned and operated “The Captain’s Hidden Cove & Hideaway Lounge” in Blacksburg for over a decade. This endeavor highlighted her passion for cooking and music, warmth towards community, and her gift for bringing people together through an amazing meal.
Kathleen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William Paris Wall, her mother and father, Flossie and Roby Martin, and her brother Roby Martin Jr. She is survived by her son, Marty Wall, and his wife Teri; her daughter, Yvonne Frye, and her husband T.J, and the apple of her eye, her grandson, Payton Wall.
Kathleen was an independent woman of remarkable strength and determination, forged in her childhood, which carried through the final days of her life. While in her 50’s she worked full-time while pursuing a nursing degree. Over the past 18 years, she faced one health challenge after another, beating lung cancer, heart attacks, and keeping CHF at bay. Time and again, she defied the odds, living a full decade beyond what most experts predicted, a testament to her love of family and life. During this decade, she was able to host her daughter’s wedding at her home and attended her grandson’s graduation among other treasured family milestones.
In her younger years, Kathleen loved to sing and play the autoharp. She often made guest appearances with her husband’s band, “The New River Express”, playing the organ, tambourine and lending backup and duet vocals. She had a lifelong love of cooking, reading, gardening and more recently found joy in playing Cooking Fever, at which she became remarkably skilled and would rank near the top in many tournaments.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Good Samaritan Hospice for their compassionate care and support during her final days and all the joy their team brought her as she forged new friendships over the two years of top notch care they supplied. And to the many volunteers who visited her regularly and showed her so much love, kindness and companionship.
A small graveside service will be held on Oct 10th , 11am, at Westview Cemetery in Blacksburg VA. A celebration of life will be held following the service.
Kathleen will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
