Martha Elva Stiles

Visitation will be held Saturday, December 9, 2023 at 9:00 AM at St. Thomas More Newman Center, 602 Turner Ave. in Columbia, followed immediately by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM. The committal service and interment will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery after the Mass.

She was born on June 15, 1946 in Eagle Pass, TX. She graduated from Eagle Pass High School in 1964 and later moved to San Antonio, TX where she attended college. It was there that she met and married her husband Terry Stiles on January 16th, 1971.

Martha dedicated her life to her family and community. She was involved in numerous service organizations including SMART Medical Teams, an organization that specializes in bringing essential medical services to underserved populations in Central America. She traveled there as the group’s interpreter for many years, and went on countless mission trips.

Locally she was charter member of the Assistance League of Mid Missouri, another philanthropic organization that serves women and children in central Missouri. She volunteered her time there for almost thirty years and spearheaded some of their core programs including Upscale Resale, Operation School Bell, Cookie Connection, Links to Learning, and Bundles for Babies. These programs raised funds and provided essential items and learning materials for children, and grants for teachers here in Mid Missouri. Martha’s dedication and contributions had a positive impact on thousands of local children during her tenure.

Martha enjoyed spending time with her family, and delighted in traveling with her husband Terry. Together they visited over 25 countries. Martha had a passion for gardening and could often be found outside in her flower gardens during the spring and summer. She was a practitioner of yoga and an avid walker and would often walk for miles on the local trails.

She is survived by her husband Terry Stiles; children Jeffrey Stiles & Kimberly Collier; her grandchildren Jacob, Christopher, and Justus Palmer; as well as siblings Olinda, Antonio, Jesus, Henry, Rolando, and Robert Gonzalez.

She was predeceased by her parents Virginia and Antonio Gonzalez.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association of Greater Missouri, 1601 E Broadway, Suite 245, Columbia, MO 65201 or online at alz.org.