Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
1600 Southeast Washington Boulevard
Bartlesville, Oklahoma
Martha May Obituary
Born in Kansas City in 1936 to Niel and Blanche Ruvel, Marty graduated from Southwest High School and matriculated at the University of Illinois where she was president of Alpha Epsilon Phi sorority. She graduated with a major in recreational studies and a minor in psychology.
Marty moved to Dallas after college and started a career as a recreation director with the Dallas public park system. On a holiday visit back home to Kansas City, Marty was set up on a blind date with a dashing naval officer; it was love at first sight. Mike and Marty married in spring 1960 and settled in Bartlesville.
Marty joined the faculty of Bartlesville High School as a physical education teacher. She left the school to become a full-time mother with the birth of sons Mark, Scott, Craig (Tigger) and William (Billy). Marty juggled a very active family life with extensive community service. She dedicated herself to a number of local organizations, including the Service League, the Boys and Girls Club, the Landmark Preservation Council, Women and Children in Crisis, Price Tower Arts Center, and Friends of the Frank Phillips Home. The Bartlesville Community Foundation recognized the May Family in 2009 as a Legacy Family for their dedication and commitment to the people of the Bartlesville area. When her boys left for college, Marty turned to a career in fashion and retail. She was a sales consultant for the Carlisle Collection women's fashions for 20 years.
More than these achievements, Marty was much beloved by family, friends and the community for her kindness, engaging personality, generous spirit and radiant smile. Devoted to her family and friends, she was an inspiration to many as she responded to life's challenges with steely determination and unflagging spirit, mixed with a dash of humor. Her family and friends will miss her greatly.
Marty May is survived by husband Mike; sons Mark, Scott (Wendy), Tigger (Dianna) and Billy (Sari); grandchildren Nicole, Jake, Harris, Jessica, Charlie and Alex; sisters Joan Loeb (Milton) and Elizabeth Zimbalist (Stuart); 9 nieces and nephews and 16 great nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held Tuesday, November 30 at 11 am at the Bartlesville Community Center directed by the Stumpff Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the May Research Fund for MDS at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, ATTN: Mary E. Silverstein, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, Texas 77030, the Bartlesville Community Foundation, or Bluestem Regional Medical Development Foundation.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Martha May
December 21, 2010
I was fortunate to meet Mrs. May at MD Anderson when I was first diagnosed with leukemia. She her great courage
Ann Leatherman
December 21, 2010
I was fortunate to meet Mrs. May at MD Anderson when I was first diagnosed with leukemia. She her great courage
Kelvan Musgrave
December 7, 2010
So sorry to hear about Marty. She was a wonderful lady, great mom and the neighborhood mom to many of us. Your family will be in my prayers.
December 2, 2010
My dear Mike - I was saddened to hear of Marty's death. She was one of my favorite "buddies wife". Ann and I thought of the many times we were with you and Marty at our class reunions and OKMozart performances. I can't say I know how you feel because I don't. I only know what a great personal loss felt like to me. May God bless you and your family.
Jim and Ann Hefner
Amarillo
December 2, 2010
My dear Mike - I was saddened to hear of Marty's death. She was one of my favorite "buddies wife". Ann and I thought of the many times we were with you and Marty at our class reunions and OKMozart performances. I can't say I know how you feel because I don't. I only know what a great personal loss felt like to me. May God bless you and your family.
Jim and Ann Hefner
Amarillo
December 2, 2010
Chuck and I are so sorrry to learn of Marty's death. She was a delightful woman....all our love to Mike and the boys. Mary Ellen Hipp Doyle
December 1, 2010
Mike and family, We are sorry to hear of Marty's passing. We cleaned your house in the late 90's. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful lady with all of us here in Bartlesville. She was a vibrant cheerful funny and loving unique person. you are in our prayers. Kathy Hicks.
Louise Christy
December 1, 2010
Mike and family. I was so sad to hear of Marty's passing. She was a very sweet lady. Your family is in my prayers and thoughts. May God bless you during this time.
December 1, 2010
Mike and family, sad to hear of the passing of Martie May, many years ago I cleaned for your family. I have wonderful memories of the lady, the home and the family. I know it's not easy to let go of those you love. Memories are for ever and the love will never end. God bless you during this time. Serving Him from My Heart, Pastor Michael and Deniece Bush, Opendoor Fellowship Church Peru, KS
December 1, 2010
Mike, sincere sympathy on the passing of Marty. It is not easy to give up someone. May God keep you and your family in the palm of his hand.
Barbara Westfall, Bartlesville
November 30, 2010
May fond memories of your loved one help you during this diffcult time. 2 Cor. 1:3,4 Angela Mosley (Ridgeland, MS)
Dan Smith
November 30, 2010
Dear Billy -
Jonlee and I were so saddened to hear of the passing of your mother. They say that you can tell a lot about the quality of a parent by the character of their children. Based on your many wonderful traits, it is clear that your mother was one incredibly special person. She will live on through your many good works.
Warmest Regards and Deepest Sympathy,
Dan Smith and Jonlee Andrews
Drew Connor
November 30, 2010
Very Sorry to hear about Marty. You are in my thoughts and prayers today.
November 29, 2010
Marty was such an inspiration to both of us during her stay at MD Anderson in Houston. We loved being with both Marty and Mike on several occasions when she was an out patient at MD Anderson.
The May family and the McKeithan family were very close friends and
spent many holidays together in Bartlesville. We were always amazed at Marty's wonderful attitude while going through treatment. She really inspired us and her memory will live on forever!!!
Mary Anne McKeithan Knowles
November 29, 2010
Dear Mike and Family, I was so sorry to hear of Marty's passing. Jeannie had been keeping me posted on her health and I was praying for all of you. I lost my husband 9 yrs. ago Dec.6, 3 wks before our 30th anniversary. The pain never goes away but in time you learn how to reinvent yourself. Kind of. Don't keep it inside. Once again, I am so very sorry. Marty was very brave and certainly put up a valient struggle. Sincerely, Mary Anne McKeithan Knowles
Stumpff Funeral Home
November 29, 2010
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results
Make a Donation
in Martha May's name
Memorial Events
for Martha May
Funeral services provided by:
Stumpff Funeral Home & Crematory - Bartlesville1600 Southeast Washington Boulevard, Bartlesville, OK 74006
How to support Martha's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Martha May's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
