Martha Kidder McCoy

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."
2 Timothy 4:7-8


Martha Ann Kidder McCoy, age 98, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2026. She was born on July 22, 1927, in East Liverpool, Ohio, where she spent her childhood before moving with her family to Chester, West Virginia during her high school years.
Martha graduated from West Liberty University (then West Liberty College), where she met , her husband John McCoy. The two were married on November 19, 1949, beginning a lifelong partnership centered on family, faith, and education.
A passionate educator, Martha dedicated many years to teaching science. She taught high school chemistry in Quincy, Ohio. She then taught Earth Science, honors Physics, and coached girls’ track in Avon, Ohio. Known for her warmth and guidance, many of her students affectionately called her “Mom” or “Grandma.” Later in life, she continued her calling in education by teaching kindergarten at Marysville Christian Academy, where she became especially known for helping young children learn to read.
Martha had a lifelong love of the physics, earth science and geology, subjects she enjoyed both teaching and exploring throughout her life. Her faith was also central to who she was. She was a member of Christian Assembly and lived her life as a devoted follower of Jesus Christ.
She was preceded in death by her parents, James Kidder and Hazel Stilgenbauer Kidder; her husband, John McCoy; her sister Lois Carse; her brothers Thomas Kidder and James Kidder; her bonus daughter Sammi Selby, and many extended family members and friends.
Martha is survived by her children Nancy Webb, Carole Karamian (Danesh), and James McCoy (Kerrie). She lovingly raised her grandson JR McCoy (Kelly) and is also survived by her bonus daughter Sue Middleton and 2 sister-in-laws Becki Kidder and Nancy Kidder.
She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren Daniel Gales, Adrienne Cornelius, Amanda Sfiligoj, James Cornelius, Justin Wood, Leslie McCoy, Martha Stewart, Jamal Karamian, Eli Karamian, Joshua Karamian, Bren McCoy, Hollie McCoy, and Trevor McCoy, along with 19 great-grandchildren.
Martha will be remembered for her love of learning, her dedication to teaching, her strong faith, and the lasting impact she made on the many students, friends, and family members.
A Celebration of Life will be held in July, with details to be announced.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all friends and family members, who helped assist in Martha’s care. A special thank you to Kerrie McCoy for her patience, caregiving, dedication, and love for Martha.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Otterbein SeniorLife Hospice of Logan County or Hospets.org of Union County.