Martha Ann Kidder McCoy

Martha Ann Kidder McCoy, age 98, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2026. Born on July 22, 1927, in East Liverpool, Ohio, she spent her childhood there before moving with her family to Chester, West Virginia during her high school years. She graduated from West Liberty University, where she met her husband, John McCoy. The two were married on November 19, 1949, and built a lifelong partnership rooted in family, faith, and education.

A passionate educator, Martha dedicated many years to teaching science. She taught high school chemistry in Quincy, Ohio, then taught Earth Science and honors Physics while coaching girls’ track in Avon, Ohio. Known for her warmth and guidance, many of her students affectionately called her “Mom” or “Grandma.” Later in life, she continued her calling by teaching kindergarten at Marysville Christian Academy, where she was especially known for helping young children learn to read. She held a lifelong love of physics, earth science, and geology, subjects she enjoyed both teaching and exploring. Her faith remained central to her life; she was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ and a member of Christian Assembly.

Martha was preceded in death by her parents, James Kidder and Hazel Stilgenbauer Kidder; her husband, John McCoy; her sister Lois Carse; her brothers Thomas Kidder and James Kidder; her bonus daughter Sammi Selby; and many extended family members and friends. She is survived by her children Nancy Webb, Carole Karamian (Danesh), and James McCoy (Kerrie). She lovingly raised her grandson JR McCoy (Kelly) and is also survived by her bonus daughter Sue Middleton and sisters-in-law Becki Kidder and Nancy Kidder. She leaves behind her cherished grandchildren Daniel Gales, Adrienne Cornelius, Amanda Sfiligoj, James Cornelius, Justin Wood, Leslie McCoy, Martha Stewart, Jamal Karamian, Eli Karamian, Joshua Karamian, Bren McCoy, Hollie McCoy, and Trevor McCoy, along with 19 great-grandchildren.

Martha will be remembered for her love of learning, her dedication to teaching, her strong faith, and the lasting impact she made on the many students, friends, and family members whose lives she touched.