MARTIN, Ardath A. (St. John)

Funeral for Ardath Arlene Martin, 87, Houston, will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday in Whinery-Huddleston Chapel. She died Thursday, March 25, 2010, in Houston. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. She was born Oct. 25, 1922, on a farm near Minco, to Charles and Elsie Goode St. John. Ardath graduated from high school in Chickasha a member of the NHS. She completed two years at Oklahoma College for Women prior to her marriage to Mylen Martin on June 7, 1942. Ardath and Mylen were married nearly 50 years at the time of his death almost 18 years ago. Lawton was home from 1943 until she moved to Houston in 2006 to be near family. She was an active member of Northwest Church of Christ more than 50 years, where she taught the 3rd grade class and participated in many Campaigns for Christ. Ardath was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who took great pride in caring for her family and serving others. In her spare time, she enjoyed photography, gardening, baking, sewing, reading and crossword puzzles. Survivors include five children: Sheryl Matthews, of Houston; Karen Strohl, Waynesville, Mo.; Gary Martin, Boxford, Mass.; Donna Howard, Cypress, Texas; and David Martin, of Mannford; a sister, Rheta Pike, of Chickasha; 15 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and many other family members and friends. Ardath was preceded in death by her parents and husband. We will forever miss and cherish our dear mother. She will be remembered as a wife of noble character as described in Proverbs 31:10-31.