Martha Jane Coble

Marty was born on July 29, 1931, in McCrory, Arkansas, to Garland and Ollie Ruth Wortham. At the age of six, her family moved to Amarillo, where she would go on to attend Amarillo High School and proudly serve as a Sandie Dandie cheerleader. After World War II, Marty met and married the love of her life, Clarence Coble on February 3,1948, following his service in the U.S. Navy. They were married 73 years before Clarence passed. Together they raised two daughters in Amarillo, where Marty devoted herself to her community as a Girl Scout troop leader, neighborhood troop consultant, and volunteer at St. Anthony’s Hospital. Marty had a unique and adventurous spirit. She was an active member of the Panhandle Chapter of the National Varmit Callers Association, where she became known for her expert varmit calling and sharpshooting skills with a .22 rifle—coyotes, bobcats, and turtles beware! In 1964, the family relocated to Stratford, Texas, with their youngest child, 18-month-old Matt. In 1966, Marty was honored as Valentine’s Sweetheart by her Nu Beta Chapter sisters of Beta Sigma Phi. She also served three terms as Vice President of the Prospectus Study Club and was deeply proud to be named Sophomore Club Mother for the Future Homemakers of America. Her love for working with young people was evident throughout her life. From 1968 to 1982, Marty and Clarence owned and operated the Texan Courts Lodge in Platoro, Colorado during the summer months. A woman of many hobbies, Marty enjoyed refinishing furniture, painting “junk,” reading, doing crosswords, collecting recipes, and cheering on her favorite sports teams. Her loyalty extended to the Abilene Cooper Cougars, Valley Patriots, Tascosa Rebels, River Road Wildcats, Stratford Elks, Arkansas Razorbacks, and her beloved Dallas Cowboys.

Marty is survived by her son, Matt Coble; daughter, Marka Heard; daughter-in-law, Renee Coble; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Garland Louis Wortham and Ollie Ruth “Mamie” Reneau; her husband, Clarence Coble (passed August 22); daughter, Deena Hyer (Passed October 22); great-granddaughter, Abigale Neely; and all of her siblings.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Marty’s name to High Plains Children's Home—a gesture that would have truly thrilled her.