Martha L. Fowler

Martha Lou Fowler, a beacon of love and light, was born on November 3, 1951, in Princeton, Missouri. She was welcomed into the world by her parents, Kenneth and Erma Tipton. Martha Lou peacefully entered the embrace of Jesus on October 14, 2026, surrounded by the love of her children and the grace of her faith.

Martha Lou was a cherished mother, sister, and friend whose life was defined by her devotion to her children, Keona (John) Stephens and Jeremy Fowler. Martha Lou was preceded in death by her beloved parents Kenneth & Erma Tipton and brother, Ed Tipton, and is survived by her loving children Keona (John) Stephens, Jeremy Fowler and her loving siblings, Lee (Gayann) Tipton and Patricia Tipton, and several nephews and nieces who will carry forward the memories of their mother, sister and aunt with fondness and affection.

A proud alumna of Truman State University, Martha Lou earned her master’s degree in accounting and became a Certified Public Accountant. Despite the challenges she faced as a single mother in the 1980s, she pursued a career in academia, sharing her passion for numbers and nurturing young minds. Her teaching journey took her to Northwest Missouri State University and Culver-Stockton College, but it was at Missouri Western State University where she spent most of her career, from 1991 until her retirement in 2014, due to her cancer diagnosis.

While at Missouri Western she started a local Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Her and her students would complete tax returns annually for people on limited income.

Martha Lou’s faith was the cornerstone of her life, and she became an active member of Hope Fellowship Church in 2015, where she delighted in teaching Bible study and Vacation Bible School. Martha Lou’s commitment to her church family was unwavering, and her joy in serving others was evident to all who knew her.

Martha Lou found joy in the simple pleasures of life and her love for Jesus and her children was matched only by her affection for her cherished cats, especially Thomas who is now reunited with her in heaven. Martha Lou relished shopping excursions with her daughter and treasured the moments spent with her son and son-in-law.

Her spirit was one of boundless generosity, gratitude, and compassion. Martha Lou had an extraordinary ability to bring peace and joy to those around her, even in the most challenging times. Her selflessness knew no bounds, and her greatest happiness was seeing her children thrive.

A service to celebrate Martha Lou’s life will be held on October 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Hope Fellowship Church. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, for His unwavering presence and blessings throughout their journey.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Hope Fellowship Church, 1108 S 33rd St, St Joseph, MO 64507. Donations can be sent by check directly to the church or Venmo to @Keona-Stephens, with a check then written to the church.

Martha Lou Fowler’s legacy of love, faith, and kindness will forever live on in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her. Her memory will be cherished, and her spirit will continue to light the way for her family and friends.

Obituary submitted by the family

Arrangements by Royer Funeral Home in Grain Valley, Missouri