Marla Mae Ehler-Davis

Marla was born in Fort Worth, TX, during the Great Depression, on December 5, 1930, to Carl Herman and Iva Mae Hoefler Ehler. She was the youngest of their three children.

Jobs were scarce during this early era. The family had moved to Texas seeking employment and returned soon after her birth, to Dayton, Ohio, again for work for her father. While there, Marla auditioned and became a regular Saturday afternoon solo performer on a local radio program, the Home Hour. At the age of 4, she stood on a chair to reach the microphone to sing while her mother accompanied her on the piano. Marla’s talent was acclaimed in the local newspaper numerous times.

By 1936, the family returned to Texas; Houston this time. From ages 6-11 she took class and private dance lessons. During her junior high years, she became part of a trio who performed throughout Houston at various men’s groups – Lions, Elks and Kiwanis as well as other local events. The trio even tried out for Major Bowes Amateur Hour and performed at least once for his national radio show. During her high school years, she and a friend sang and danced as a duo for the Houston Summertime Light Opera, one of the first LIVE theatrical companies in Houston (prior to TUTS). On some segments of the evening’s show, they had the stage to themselves!

Marla married Don Davis in November 1955. They lived and worked happily in Houston where they raised her only son, Kirk, from a previous marriage. In the 1990’s she and Don designed and built her dream home in Lakeway, TX. She spent many happy hours there viewing the lake and enjoying the fruits of their efforts. Marla loved to garden tending to plants and flowers and maintained a beautiful yard. Don passed in December 2014 and Marla returned to Houston in 2020.

Marla accepted Jesus in her late 30’s and became a student of the Bible. She loved The Lord and was always anxious to tell anyone of her faith. She was active in the Lakeway Stephen Ministry for years. Music remained an integral part of her life. Christian radio, particularly KHCB, was always playing in her home. Marla sang in church choirs and frequently played the organ at home and sang praise songs to her audience of ONE.

She is survived by her son, Kirk Knorr and wife Patricia (Tricia); a step-granddaughter, Stephanie Lichenstein and husband, John; Brother-in-law, Ben Davis; nieces and their families and lifelong friends, Frances and Garland Thames.

The family wishes to extend gratitude to Fairmont Hospice Team for their exceptional care of her for almost two years. Special recognition and heartfelt thanks to Elaina Miles and Chaplain Herman Moten who regularly visited Marla and befriended her with their love and care.

A graveside memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at Forest Park Westheimer - Cemetery at 10:30am.