Martha Elsa Kutscher

Central Texas icon Martha E. Kutscher died peacefully October 22, 2012, 11:20 PM on the northwest Travis County Ranch she loved for over 60 years. Martha was born January 13, 1915 in Taylor, Texas to Frank Kotrla and Julie Mikus Kotrla. Martha grew up on the family homestead with her two brothers, surrounded by cousins and an extensive close family. Martha and her brother Edward cherished their childhood environment, rich with epoch changing events, home-cured meats, outstanding home-made kolaches, and medicinal pivo. Martha graduated from Taylor High School, and soon after met Joe Kutscher, a dashing WWII Army pilot. Martha and Joe married in 1945 when Joe returned from the War, and began their partnership that lasted until Joe’s death in 1984. Joe and Martha, with their dear friends Harry and Doreen Dulick, founded Continental Homes, one of the first post-war real estate companies that bought and developed commercial and residential properties across the South, Midwest and Southwest. Joe’s and Martha’s business acumen led them to acquire their passion: their beautiful Hill Country ranch outside of Leander where they lived life with gusto. Martha and Joe transformed an expanse of brush, natural springs and breath-taking vistas into their working cattle ranch and private sanctuary, the Flying K Ranch, that Martha ran until her death. In addition to working the Ranch, and managing Joe, Martha was a renowned hostess to numerous parties and benefactress to many local events, individuals and families, including donating a large cottage on the new Austin Children’s Shelter campus.

Martha was graced with a delightful wit, a generous spirit, and the ability to focus only on the positive gifts of her extraordinary life. Always exquisitely dressed, Martha was a striking beauty. She was a remarkable person – an iconic Texas rancher, a dedicated hunter, once felling two deer with a single shot, and a shrewd business woman. Those lucky enough to know her well knew also what a fierce and brilliant card player she was. Martha knew the joy of vaccinating cows in the morning and flying to Dallas on their private plane for a trip to Neiman Marcus in the afternoon, or flying to Sunday lunch in Houston on a whim. Her entertaining skill was legendary, and she achieved memorable evenings and large house parties with seemingly effortless aplomb.

She and Joe were lifelong friends and supporters of the University of Texas, and displayed the signed football given to “Coach” Kutscher by Darrell Royal and the UT national championship team of 1963. Martha enjoyed attending Lyndon B. Johnson’s Presidential inauguration, and recalling what a wonderful dancer Governor John Connally was. She sent her niece Kathryn, (the first family member to attend university) to Rice University, armed with key tools: credit cards to Neiman Marcus and Sakowitz. Martha’s adventurous spirit never waned, involving her in a landmark trip to New Zealand and Australia when she was 78.

No words can capture Martha’s magic. Everyone she encountered loved her and recognized her innate royalty. She brightened all events with her joyful spirit. Even in her final days, she enchanted people new to her, and they, too, fell under her spell. Those of us who loved her received a gift of infinite value; she taught us to live fully, fearlessly, kindly, and honestly, and to die with grace, poise, and joy.

Martha is survived by her brother Edward “Kutt” Kotrla of Taylor, niece Kathryn J Kotrla, M.D. and husband Robert Morris of Austin, and their children Chris and Jeremy Benedik and Sophia del Rio. As Martha said to Kathryn, “You were my Baby” just as Martha was Kathryn’s “mother”. Their transcendent, inexplicably bonded relationship is one for which Kathryn is eternally blessed and grateful, as are Chris and Jeremy. Martha remained close to many of her Mikus and Kotrla relatives, particularly Susan Jane Dyess, Martha’s daily “Sunshine” and Susan’s husband Dale. Martha was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her older brother Raymond Kotrla, Ray’s wife Kitty, and too many close friends and relatives to list. Martha’s light will always be a beacon for her family and friends to cherish.

As Martha prepared to leave this earth she benefited tremendously from the extraordinary care by Dr. Louis Lux and Hospice Compasus, as Martha’s most ardent wish was to stay on her Ranch until her death. Special thanks to Virginia McCauley and other caregivers from Nurses Unlimited, who devoted themselves to Martha’s care and comfort. Martha’s care team brought her back to life for a period of joy before leaving us.

Martha’s life and spirit will be celebrated in a Memorial Service at 2:00 PM, Monday, October 29 at Providence Funeral Home, 807 Carlos Parker Blvd. NW in Taylor Texas, followed by a reception at her brother’s home. For her many friends wishing to leave regards, information is found at: www.taylorprovidencefuneralhome.com.