Martha "Poppy" Tullius

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Martha Tullius on January 8, 2025. God called our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and just recently, great-great-grandmother, Martha Russell Tullius (affectionately known as “Poppy”), home at the age of 87 after a long battle with multiple illnesses.

Martha was born at home in the “farmhouse” east of Norman in 1937. She graduated from Norman High School and lived in Norman her entire life. She will be deeply missed by her family and many others for her unconditional love, compassion, and unwavering devotion to her loved ones. Martha was truly the heart of our home and family.

Martha was married for 30 years to her soulmate, Joseph Tullius, who tragically lost his battle with cancer in 1987 at the age of 53. After his passing, Martha never remarried, often saying, “When you’ve had the best, nothing else will measure up.”

Having been a stay-at-home mom until that time, Martha later embarked on a successful career in customer service at Security National Bank, which later became Arvest. During her 30 years there, she earned a reputation as a kind, supportive, and humorous colleague. Her coworkers fondly remember her and continue to stay in touch with her through social media. As one coworker recently said, “She was the glitter of our work group!”

Martha, or “Poppy” as many of her family and friends affectionately called her, was the “fun” granny. She took her grandchildren and great-grandchildren on adventurous hikes through the family’s woods, played mermaid with them in the swimming pool, and welcomed animals on the “farm” for them to love and learn from—everything from goats and bunnies to calves, horses, ponies, chickens, and the occasional box turtle (which she always insisted on releasing after a few hours). She spoiled them, but also encouraged them to find joy in learning, life, and laughter. Her creativity and imagination knew no bounds, and she taught her family that with those two gifts, the world was theirs to explore.

One of the most cherished tributes from her family came from a grandchild, who said, “She was a role model to me and a huge part of why and who I am today.” Martha led by example, always caring for others and offering her unwavering support. She taught us that kindness is the only way to go through life, often sacrificing her own needs for the sake of her family.

Even after retiring, Martha maintained her connection to the world despite the challenges posed by macular degeneration. Although it became difficult for her to engage in hobbies such as quilting, crocheting, and embroidery, she found a new way to stay connected. Thanks to an iPad her family bought her, she was able to communicate with friends, family, and former coworkers through Facebook. She used this platform to send positive messages, comment on loved ones’ travels and photos, and simply check in to let others know she was thinking of them. Martha's warmth, kindness, and thoughtful words touched everyone, regardless of age or distance.

Martha never grew tired of learning. Whether it was about a new flower, tree, recipe, or the climate in a faraway country, she used the internet as a tool to satisfy her endless curiosity. Her family credits this desire to learn as one of the things that kept her mind sharp and engaged well into her later years. She showed her family that learning and exploration should never stop.

Throughout her life, Martha maintained her compassion, empathy, and love for nature. She shared her love of family and friends at every opportunity, always looking for ways to brighten someone’s day. She enjoyed gardening and spent countless hours tending to her beautiful flowers, even continuing to care for her flower beds despite her weakening heart. Up until just a couple of years ago, she could be found riding her mower around her acreage, mowing the expansive lawn in the hot Oklahoma sun. Her family quickly learned that offering to help with the lawn was pointless—Martha was determined to do it herself!

Martha embodied remarkable strength and independence. No matter what life threw her way—and it threw a lot—she accepted each challenge with grace, never questioning “why,” but always finding the silver lining. She carried herself with quiet strength, never complaining, and everyone around her admired her sweetness and resilience.

Poppy was a woman of deep faith, empathy, compassion, and kindness. She always thought of others and looked for ways to brighten their day with small, thoughtful gestures. She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering support that will forever be cherished by her family and all who knew her.

She is survived by her daughter, Becky Tullius Trumble, and her husband, Russell Trumble; her granddaughter, Lisa Zurcher and partner William Patterson; her grandchildren, Jessica Bieda, Joseph Bieda, and Jackson McBeth; and the newest addition to the family, her great-great-grandson, Jamison Wayne Smith.

Martha was preceded in death by her brother, her sister, and her granddaughter, Stacy Zurcher.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, January 16, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Primrose Funeral Service Chapel. Interment will follow at Norman IOOF Cemetery.