Our beloved Martha Jean Dunn (née Covington) passed away on September 3, 2025, in Austin, Texas, at the age of 83.
Born on May 17, 1942, in Blanchard, Oklahoma, Martha’s early years were shaped by a strong family foundation, particularly through the unconditional love displayed by her mother Ethel. Ethel’s shining example illuminated Martha’s path throughout her life.
Martha was deeply dedicated to her family, particularly her children and grandchildren. Her kids fondly remember innumerable chocolate peanut butter birthday cakes, stacks of pancakes and pans of fudge, as well as the Oreos they would snack on while fishing at Lowe’s pond. Worm guts and Oreos - a flavor combination not easily forgotten! Martha also was often seen running up and down the sidelines during her kid’s soccer games, coaching and cheering.
Martha met Robert, the love of her life, at their 25th high school reunion immediately after giving a spirited speech proclaiming her joy and satisfaction in single womanhood. They married soon after and spent the next 39 years dancing through life together.
Her grandchildren remember Martha as an enthusiastic supporter of all their endeavors, athletic and artistic, as well as those less conventional - such as toddler Michael’s indefatigable grasshopper catching or Hayley’s dramatic reenactments of the movie Shrek. Hayley and Kristen remember idyllic afternoons of homemade Coca-Cola popsicles, and the slightly less loved beloved prune juice popsicles, prepared for their warm Texas walks home from her house after school.
Our family spent many hours at the kitchen table enjoying spirited games of Tripoly, Pinochle, and Scrabble, Martha’s blue eyes sparkling with a not insignificant amount of mischief. If her unmistakable laughter wasn’t filling the house, it was a safe bet that she could be found engrossed in the nearest open book.
Martha was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Ethel Covington, and her siblings Harold, William, John, Betty, and Viola. Martha is survived by her husband Robert Dunn, her daughter Annette Hicks and Annette’s husband Shad Hicks, her son Mike LaBorde and Mike’s wife Donna Lee LaBorde, her granddaughters Michael Lehmann, Hayley Vaughan, Kristen Hicks, and Brittany Elston, her brother Darrell Covington, and many nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held on October 4, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Noble Avenue Baptist 1219 W Noble in Guthrie, Oklahoma. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer’s Association are appreciated.
Published in the Guthrie News Leader - September 24, 2025