Work, family, school and church.

Those are among Karen Kline-Martin’s priorities at the moment.

Kline-Martin, who says her job title as registrar at Ellinwood High/Middle School “doesn’t cover everything I do,” has had to step back from some of her other activities while she is on the educational path toward becoming an ordained priest. More about that later.

Born in Great Bend to Dale and Margaret (Copeland) Kline, she attended Jefferson Elementary, Harrison Jr. High (grades 7-9) and Great Bend High School, as well as Barton Community College. Other than babysitting, her first job as a teenager was at the TG&Y store in Great Bend.

Karen married George Martin and they moved to Ellinwood in 1991. 

“George and I chose Ellinwood,” she said. “We loved the school system – still do – and the community as a whole.”

George passed away in 2021. Their children are Caitlin Cross (Joel), Fiona Esfeld (Nolan) Sam Kline-Martin (Emmi) and Mary Tran, with “11 grands a couple of greats.”

Karen did not serve in the military but notes that her family on either side was Navy and George served in the Navy.

Small-town life

When asked what in particular attracted them to Ellinwood, she said, “In a small town, everyone knows your business. That can be boon and bane. However, this town comes together when there is a need. And you are loved. Just that simple. Ellinwood has a sense that we do indeed need each other.”

She has worked at the high school office in Ellinwood for 27 years. “It’s taught me a lot,” she said. “The kids and their parents have taught me more than any class will ever teach me.”

Outside of work, Kline-Martin said she enjoys reading and spending time with her two cats and two dogs. She also loves to cook. 

She is involved in St. John’s Episcopal Church, the Barton Arts Council, and “politics to some degree.” She is a past Democratic party committeewoman and she and George once catered a fundraising dinner for Laura Kelly when she was first running for governor.

She has been involved in most Great Bend Community Theatre productions over the years; in 2022 she assisted the directors of “Making God Laugh” and “All My Sons.” She also directed GBCT’s production of “The Mousetrap” by Agatha Christie in 2018. Now that auditions have been held for a November production of the same play, we asked if she is involved behind the scenes.

“Much as I would love to be, I had to step away for awhile,” she said. “When I do a play, it’s a solid six weeks. There’s only one of me.”

She has been taking classes to earn a degree that will allow her to become an ordained priest. “Lord have mercy! Probably ought to pray on that one!” she says.

George was a deacon in the church and about a year after he died the bishop asked Karen to consider studying for the deaconate. She began working on that credential through the Bishop Kemper School of Ministry in Topeka.

Kline-Martin recalls that later, the bishop said, “I think I made a mistake. I would like you to consider becoming a priest.”

“I am on that path now,” she said. She has made it known: “My family comes first. School and community come first.”

You don’t stay 30+ years in a community without being involved, she reasons. “If there’s a need, you do it. But hands down, family comes first.”

She is still at least a year away from completing her studies so she can be ordained.

Kline-Martin notes that mainline churches are losing membership but they have an important role to play.

“We each have different paths,” she said, “It’s really interesting to be a part of it. We need to come together however we can.”

Noting she was baptized Methodist, confirmed Presbyterian and chose the Episcopalian Church when she was 25, she says: “Ultimately, it’s where do you need to serve? We’re all called to serve one another and to love one another.”

Community Connections is a regular feature of the Great Bend Tribune, showcasing people who live in the Golden Belt. We welcome readers to submit names of individuals who are active in the community that they would like to see featured in a future story. Send suggestions to news@gbtribune.com and explain their “community connections.”