1936-2017
Martha Ann Stover passed away on February 7, 2017 after a long and courageous battle with lung disease. She was born November 1, 1936 to Irving (Bus) and Betty Robinson in Charleston, WV. She is survived by her husband Roger, daughter Wendy, brother Casey Robinson and wife Tammy. Martha lost her son Steve in 1982.
Martha graduated Charleston High School in 1954. She was head majorette in junior high school and high school. She was runner up in the 1954 Miss Kanawha Valley Majorette Festival. As a young girl, she became a student of the famous Andre VanDamme, founder of the Charleston Ballet Company and performed with him in the first Charleston Ballet presentation “Beauty and the Beast” in 1956 as well as in many other shows. Martha was also active in the Charleston Light Opera Guild and performed in stage shows including Oklahoma, Guys and Dolls, Brigadoon, Damn Yankee and many others. She was an accomplished ballerina with an impeccable stage appearance.
On August 3, 1957, after a short dating period, she married Roger Stover. While Roger was in college, Martha worked for a local Television Company. In May 1959, Roger graduated college and their son Steven was born on August 20, 1959. Her daughter Wendy was born on March 25, 1961.
Roger was a geologist with Cities Service Oil Company for eighteen years. In 1964 he was transferred to Bartlesville, Oklahoma and with a heavy heart, Martha left her beloved Charleston, WV. Transferring became a way of life. The family moved to Houston, Texas, followed by New York City, Tulsa, Oklahoma, Jackson, Mississippi and in 1977 our final move was Edmond, Oklahoma.
While living in Tulsa, Wendy became interested in horses. Over the next two decades, she became a world champion in quarter horse competition. Martha spent many hours watching Wendy compete in both indoor and outdoor arenas. Always the cheerleader, Martha was her biggest fan.
Martha was an active volunteer for the Edmond Association for Retarded Citizens for thirty years and was awarded the EARC Volunteer of the Year Award in 1982 for her outstanding service. In 1979 an honor was bestowed on her as Mother of the Year by the Oklahoma Junior Quarter Horse Association. Recently, she continued her volunteering at the Edmond Hope Center.
In 1982, Roger formed Stover Oil Company. After a short struggle, we survived. During this time, Martha became an excellent secretary, draftsman and all around handyman. She kept the company going while Roger was trying to find the next oil well.
In 1996 at the age of 62, Roger retired. Golf and trout fishing became the norm. We spent many wonderful years traveling to Beavers Bend in Southeast Oklahoma. This was Martha’s favorite place. Christmas was always special and she loved the cabin life. She also enjoyed “Girls Gone Wine.” A glass of wine and good conversation was always a good way to end the evening.
Martha’s illness was challenged by her spirit. Although her body succumbed, her soul did not. Marth also revealed her strength and courage when enduring the loss of her son and a previous defeat of breast cancer. In her quiet unassuming way, she was a very special hero to us all.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to Free to Live and the Make a Wish Foundation.
A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, February 27 at the Santa Fe Presbyterian Church, 1603 N. Santa Fe Avenue, Edmond, Oklahoma.