Martha Carroll Gagel

Martha Carroll Gagel, a beloved matriarch and cherished friend, passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 19, 2026, in the comforting presence of her daughter, Tracy. She was 83 years old. Born on October 17, 1943, in Louisville, Kentucky, Martha was the daughter of Arthur George Carroll and Elizabeth Skaggs Carroll. Her life was a tapestry of love, creativity, and devotion to family. Martha was predeceased by her loving husband, Gene Gagel, with whom she shared many joyous years. She was also preceded in death by her parents, her twin sister Margie Ackerman, sister Patricia Hartlage, daughter Terri Wiley Cox, and her cherished great-grandsons, Nathaiel and Noah. Despite these profound losses, Martha's resilience and warmth continued to shine brightly. She is survived by her devoted children, Tracy Hupp (Jim), Sally Stoermer (Scott), and Sonny Wiley (Misty), who carry forward her legacy of love and strength. Her sister, Rosalie Webster, remains a pillar of family history and connection. Martha's grandchildren—Chasity Hupp, Shane Hupp, Jesse Hupp, Kelly Harris, Katie Harris, Kaitlin Cox Stratton, Craig Cox, Matthew Wiley, and Alexander Wiley—were a source of immense pride and joy, as were her great-grandchildren, Madilynn, Bobby Matthew, Shane, Tessa, Max, Jacoby, Elias, Micah, Mason,Darby, Rae, William, and Waitman. An avid fan of the University of Kentucky, Martha's spirit was as vibrant as the blue and white that she so dearly loved. Her creativity found expression in her passion for crafts, which she shared generously with family and friends. Martha had a particular fondness for yard sales, which she approached with an enthusiastic and adventurous heart. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Signature Health in Radcliff for their exceptional care and compassion during Martha's final days. In keeping with Martha's generous spirit, the family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a charity of your choice, a gesture that echoes Martha's own belief in giving and community. As we remember Martha, we hold close the words of Pericles: "What you leave behind is not what is engraved in a stone monument, but what is woven into the lives of others." Indeed, Martha's legacy is richly woven into the hearts of all who knew her, a testament to a life lived with love, laughter, and unwavering dedication to those she held dear.