Martha Esther Cavnar

Martha Esther Anderson was born on March 21, 1934 to George and Martha Anderson. She was the youngest of three children, Frank the oldest and Robert (Bob) in the middle. Growing up in Oklahoma City, she spent summers on the family farm in Collinsville, OK. She attended Northeast High School where in 1952 she was elected unanimously by the football team to be their Queen. After graduating from high school she attended Central State College in Edmond, Oklahoma and received her teaching degree in 1957. Britton elementary invited her to begin teaching after graduation. In her class was a young man by the name of Bobby Bridges. Bobby had an Uncle and "insisted" he come up and "meet his teacher"! Uncle Red eventually went up to the school where he met Bobby's teacher Miss Anderson. A relationship developed and on May 21, 1959 Maurice (Red) Cavnar married Martha Anderson. They had three children Maurene, Curtis and Carlene. Martha loved her family, teaching, and her church. Famous for her cooking, her signature dishes were chocolate chips (you couldn't eat just one), macaroni and cheese, and Mississippi mud cake (we are still looking for the recipe). Martha taught first and second grade. Teaching children how to read was her goal in life. Reading was the most important thing that she felt she could contribute. Teaching 100's of children how to read including her grandchildren and great-children brought her pride and satisfaction. Martha was a member of Lakeview Church of the Nazarene where she directed the music for children. She wrote Easter and Christmas cantatas which she directed, adding a style of her own. The family changed to become members of Lake Overholser Church of the Nazarene where again Martha directed the children's choir for several years. Retiring in 1972 enabled her to spend time with grandchildren and friends. Her character and personality exemplified an unconditional love for all who crossed her path. Love and appreciated by many, she remains in many hearts today.