Martha Stolz
Martha Stolz

Obituary of Martha Stolz

Martha R. (Marty) Stolz (Martha Louise Roderick) 1926 ~ 2013 Martha R. Stolz, 86 years old, passed April 3, 2013 at Life Care Center of Treasure Valley in Boise, ID. Martha was born on June 24, 1926 in Grand Rapids, MI. Her parents were George Holmes Roderick from Indianapolis, IN and Louise H. Roderick, (Louise Almira Huston), from Luddington, MI. Marty has a younger brother, Thomas Huston Roderick of Bar Harbor, ME. Marty grew up in East Grand Rapids, MI. Her early interests were tap dancing, singing (emulating Deanna Durbin), glee club and quilting. She very much loved her childhood dog, "Wag". She met her lifelong partner and future husband, Robert K. Stolz, Jr. (Bob) during grade school and then at the Calla Travis School of Dance, when, at the age of 13, she asked him to be her partner for a dance and he then reciprocated. They began dating when Marty was still 14. She was 6 months younger than Bob. Marty and Bob spent leisure time together during Jr. High and High School, often riding bikes and having picnics with each other and with friends. Marty graduated from East Grand Rapids High in 1943. Marty was accepted to Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, NY and attended 1943-1946. Her major was child study and she traveled with the Vassar Glee Club. Marty and Bob were married at Grace Church in Grand Rapids, MI on June 27, 1947, 3 days after Marty's 21st birthday. Marty and Bob lived in Bethlehem, PA, Detroit, MI, Western Spring, IL, Madison, WI, Clarendon Hills, IL, and Holden, MA before moving to Boise, ID in 1968. They had 3 sons, Robert Kenneth Stolz III (1948), Roderick Arthur Stolz (1952), and Thomas Huston Stolz (1955). Marty was an avid bridge player, bicycle rider (often riding tandem with her husband) and a lifelong dog lover. Marty and Bob were well known for dancing along to local Idaho musicians, including good friend Billy Braun. In 1960, she won a Sweetheart Soap national writing contest and was awarded a newly constructed split level house, 2 brand new Chevrolet cars, and a new washer and dryer. Martha served as Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center's Health Sciences librarian from June of 1970 until December 31, 1988. She was honored as Employee of the Month in 1975. One of Marty's co-workers said of her: "She is bright, energetic and funny as well as sophisticated and witty. Being meticulously perfectionistic made her the perfect librarian." Marty and Bob believed strongly in "giving back" to their community. They gave generous donations to many colleges, universities, and charities, most notably the College of Idaho. Marty volunteered many hours of her time to the Assistance League of Boise and The Ronald McDonald House. Marty and Bob enjoyed many vacations to their favorite spot, Horizons, on the island of Bermuda. Marty is survived by her 3 sons; 4 grandchildren: Rhiannon Laurie, Ryan Stolz, Tommy Stolz, and Robert Stolz; stepson Max Bowman; great granddaughter Scarlet Silverman-Laurie; and brother, Tom Roderick. A private family remembrance ceremony was held at Bob and Marty's home in Boise. The Stolz family suggests memorial donations be made to the Ronald McDonald House, 101 Warm Springs, Boise, ID 83712; or the Stolz Family Endowed Scholarship at the College of Idaho, 2112 Cleveland Blvd, Caldwell, ID 83605. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Marty's memorial webpage at www.summersfuneral.com.
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at McGuiness Funeral Home
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