Martha Ellen Thornton

December 23, 1943 – August 22, 2025

Martha Ellen Causey Thornton, lovingly known as Marty, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2025, at the age of 81.

Born on December 23, 1943, near Hennessey in rural Kingfisher County, Oklahoma, Martha was her mother’s Christmas gift. Growing up without running water until fifth grade, she learned early the values of resilience, faith, and family.

She was the eldest daughter in a lively household of five children, with three older brothers—Floyd, Dave, and Walter—and a younger sister, Peggy. Her childhood was shaped by both joy and sorrow, including the early loss of her father, Wayland, who died while serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Through it all, Martha grew into a woman of quiet strength, quick humor, and deep compassion.

In 1967, a friend invited Martha to take bowling lessons at Edmond Lanes. This decision changed the course of her life. What started as a hobby soon turned into a lifelong passion. Bowling led her to local, state, and national tournaments, and eventually to the love of her life, Jack Howard Thornton. They married on December 11, 1974, and joyfully celebrated 50 years of marriage in 2024.

Family was her greatest pride. Together, Martha and Jack raised seven children. She devoted her life to raising “good Christian children,” and her legacy continues through 19 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren who carry her love forward. When asked what she was most proud of, she answered without hesitation: “My children. I am proud of my grandchildren and great-grandchildren, but I am most proud of my children.”

In 1977, Martha and Jack moved their family to Seminole, Oklahoma, to open Tri-City Lanes. A decade later, they expanded their dream by purchasing Shawnee Bowl. Throughout the Oklahoma bowling community, Martha was recognized not only for her skill and dedication to service, but also for her warmth, humor, and signature cheer: “Gobble gobble gobble,” which she would shout after every three strikes in a row. She loved to make people smile. In 2010, she and Jack were inducted into the Shawnee Hall of Fame for their contributions as bowling proprietors and ambassadors of the sport.

Martha was also a lifelong Sooners fan, faithfully following college football, women’s softball, and attending OU basketball games with Jack for nearly 40 years. Her love of sports reflected her loyalty—to her teams, her family, her many children and grandchildren who are proud OU alumni.

Creative and thoughtful, Martha loved sewing and quilting, often crafting cherished keepsakes for her children and grandchildren. She was an avid reader—particularly fond of Danielle Steel novels—and a devoted fan of country music. No holiday was complete without her favorite treat: pumpkin pie, surrounded by family.

Martha had a deep love for travel—whether by cruise ship or scenic train ride—and encouraged others to follow her motto: “Don’t wait until you’re old to travel—do it while you can.”

Even in life’s most difficult moments, including the fire that destroyed Tri-City Lanes in 2005, she never wavered in her faith, her hope, or her kindness. She lived by her mother’s advice: “Always treat people how you want to be treated. Be kind.”

She believed the key to a lasting marriage was mutual respect and kindness, often saying: “It’s not the product, but the finished product that matters.” Martha’s life was indeed a beautiful, finished product—rich in love, faith, family, and joyful service to others.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Wayland Eugene Causey and Lillian Vesta Causey Fults; her brothers Floyd Causey, David Causey, Walter Causey; and her daughter-in-law, Stephanie Waller. She is survived by her devoted husband, Jack Howard Thornton; her sister, Peggy Rose Stephens; her seven children—Mark Waller, Deborah Reynolds (husband Earl), Bruce Waller (wife Dana), Joe Waller (wife Brandi), Dean Thornton (wife Melissa), Dr. Deanna Huff (husband Jim), and Dawn Womack (husband Terry); 19 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and countless friends, bowling companions, and loved ones.

Martha’s legacy lives on in every life she touched, both on and off the lanes. Her faith, fierce love for family, and joyful spirit will never be forgotten.

“Well done, good and faithful servant!” – Matthew 25:23 (NIV)

The family invites memorial contributions to Carry The Load, honoring veterans, first responders, and fallen heroes—a mission that also remembers Martha’s father Wayland who died while serving in the US Navy during WWII. Donations may be made In lieu of flowers at carrytheload.org/donate

A visitation for Martha will be held Tuesday, August 26, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper, 6600 Broadway Extension, Oklahoma City, OK. A funeral service will will be held at Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper Chapel on Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at 2:00 PM, 6600 Broadway Extension, Oklahoma City, OK. A graveside service will occur at Rose Hill Burial Park, 6001 NW Grand Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73118 immediately following the service.

Serving as pallbearers are Adam Waller, Logan Waller, Josh Waller, Tyler Waller, Taylor Ashcraft, Blake Ashcraft, Jared Ashcraft, Jack Waller, Ranly Huff, Devin Thornton and Darin Thornton.