Martha Louise Stephens

Martha Stephens, 93, of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, passed away peacefully in her sleep surrounded by family on July 20, 2026. Born January 23, 1933, at Akron City Hospital in Akron, Ohio, to George and Lizzie Higgins, Martha grew up in Mt. Gilead, Ohio, where she was a majorette in high school and graduated from Mt. Gilead High School in 1951. She went on to attend Ashland College for a time before beginning her life’s journey as a wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, to a family who adored her.

Martha lived most of her life in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, later moved to Ormond Beach, Florida, and eventually returned to Ohio, where she spent her final years living with her daughter Pam, who lovingly cared for her for nearly two years. There, she loved watching the squirrels and birds and was especially delighted with visits from a three-legged raccoon that became something of a yard celebrity.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lionel Stephens; her parents, George and Lizzie Higgins; her sisters, Doris (Eugene) West and Fran (Gene) Galleher; and her daughter-in-law, Shirley Kelly.

Martha is survived by her children, Pam (Fred) Krompass, Craig Kelly, Linda (Randy) Talkington, and Susan Buchanan; her grandchildren, Craig (Sarah) Kelly Jr., Jennifer (Travis) Thatcher, Chris (Jessica) Kelly, Kelly (Vince) D’Auria, Christen Kelly, Leann (Nick) Wegner, Toni Rubino, Michael (Marcella) Rubino, Allison Groom, and Bridget Buchanan; and 23 great-grandchildren who brought her endless joy.

Martha’s love for animals shaped much of her life, and her favorite job was working at the Humane Society, where she cared for countless cats and dogs over the years. She loved joining Lionel on the bus trips he planned, including her most memorable ones to Niagara Falls and Washington, D.C. She enjoyed browsing weekend yard sales, always on the hunt for a good find.

Above all, Martha was known for her joy. She greeted everyone in her life with a smile and a kind word, and those who knew her often say there simply wasn’t anyone else quite as good as her. She never missed a birthday, always made sure her family stayed close, and hosted every single holiday for as long as anyone can remember. Grandchildren cherish memories of sleepovers at her house and playing in her backyard.

Martha had a deep, quiet faith. Her favorite Bible verse, Philippians 4:6, guided her outlook: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.” She was also known for her wit and sharp sense of humor, and she looked forward to her daily walks with family. When she could no longer walk them herself, her son Craig would joyfully push her and point out wildlife along the trails.

Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren will forever treasure memories of visiting her Florida home. The family plans to honor her by continuing to make her famous chicken divan and the other beloved recipes she passed down. They'll watch wildlife in the backyard, take walks, browse the occasional yard sale in her honor, and carry forward the kindness, humor, and unshakeable faith she showed every single day. Martha spent her last good night at a slumber party at the hospital surrounded by her two daughters, Pam and Linda, and special family friend Theresa Hayes LaCause.

The world would truly be a better place with more people like Martha Stephens in it.

To share a memory of Martha or leave a special message for her family, visit the guest book below.