Martha Stickler

Martha S. Stickler passed away Friday, April 6, 2018, at Fountainbleau Lodge.

She was born Oct. 25, 1924 at Whitewater, daughter of Sylvester William and Dora E. Francis Schafer. Martha and William H. Stickler Jr. wed July 8, 1944, and they were married for 49 years. He preceded her in death May 2, 1994.

She graduated from Delta High School, where she was active in volleyball and basketball. She went on to receive her bachelor's degree in education from Southeast Missouri State University. Martha taught at Crump for two years, Pecan Grove for 12 years and finally at Jackson R-2, where she taught fifth grade at West Lane Elementary for 29 years.

Martha was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Cape Girardeau for 69 years. She was a deacon and held various other positions in the church, including Circle chairwoman, Fellowship Committee and teaching Sunday school. She volunteered at their dinners for many years and the church dedicated a plaque in the kitchen in her honor.

Martha was a member and past matron of St. Mark's Chapter OES 167. She was past high priestess of Calvary Shrine No. 8 WS of J. She had presided as the past grand royal matron of Amaranth of the State of Missouri. She also held various offices in the local teacher's sorority and in the Tuesday General Federation of Women's Club.

Martha is survived by a son, Wayne (Karen) Stickler; and nieces and a nephew, Cindy McCutcheon, Sandra Schafer, Gale (Ann) Schafer, Madeline (Mark) Mitson, Donna Chambers, Marilyn Schwab, Wanda (Norman) Anderson and Jan (Charlie) Guth. Also surviving are many other close family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; sister, Madlyn (Edwin) Nagel; brothers Peyton (Blanche) Schafer, Nathan (Edna) Schafer and Clayton Schafer; and other family members.

Visitation will be from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Monday at First Presbyterian Church in Cape Girardeau, with an Eastern Star service at 11 am.

Funeral will follow at 11:30 a.m. at the church, with the Rev. Ellen Gurnon officiating. Burial will be at Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.

Memorial contributions may be given to First Presbyterian Church or Humane Society of Southeast Missouri.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.