J Pauline "Pug" Martin

J. Pauline "Pug" Martin was born November 29, 1926, in Tuttle, Oklahoma to George and Maggie Wampler. She passed away in Norman, Oklahoma on Saturday, November 16, 2024, just two weeks short of her 98th birthday.

Pug attended Amber Schools where she enjoyed riding horses and getting into mischief with her siblings. It was during this time when she meet the love of her life J.R. Martin. They married May 24, 1944, and together they had two sons, James (Jim) and Richard (Rick).

Pug was a homemaker, taught Sunday School and helped on the family ranch until 1965. It was in 1965 that she found her passion in franchising and operating a Merle Norman Cosmetics business in Chickasha. Throughout her years running the store, she had customers that drove from across the state to shop with her - and she knew their products and colors by heart. Pug operated her Merle Norman store until 2020 earning several awards from the corporate headquarters. She was also honored onstage during the Merle Norman convention in California for her legacy in the business.

Pug loved to travel with JR and the two went on many adventures throughout the world. They flew their plane to several locations with The Flying Farmers. In addition to their travel with the Flying Farmers, Pug also served as Queen for the organization. One summer, Pug and JR (bravely) took all three granddaughters on a trip. Three pre-teen girls quickly became overwhelmed and Pug smartly suggested that they stop at the closest store so each of the girls could get their own cassette players - and most importantly - headphones. Pug also loved traveling with her sisters every fall. On one trip the five of them loaded up in the van for a trip to Palm Springs and they all came back with great stories.

Although Pug was a dedicated businesswoman, she was also a loving and doting grandmother and great-grandmother. She spent several summer nights watching her granddaughters swim at the pool (although she was not getting in and getting her hair wet). She loved teaching each girl makeup tips and tricks, and teaching them how to play multiple bingo cards at the bingo halls.

Pug loved watching sports, especially basketball, and she was a huge OKC Thunder fan. The only thing better than a Thunder game was watching her great-grandkids participate in their sports and she proudly attended every game and activity possible.

Pug was actively involved in the Amber community, and was a member of Chickasha First Assembly Church. She will be remembered as a fun and loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Always well dressed with great hair and makeup.

She is preceded in death by her husband, J.R.; son, Jim Martin; parents George and Maggie Wampler; Sisters, Thelma Hooker, Jean Baker, Helen Joslin; and brothers, Hart Wampler, Lon Wampler and George Wampler.

Pug is survived by her son Rick Martin and wife Karen, of Amber; Daughter-in-law, Melinda Martin of Amber; granddaughter and husband Jamie and Matt Caves of Amber; granddaughter and husband, Keli and Brad Elliott of Bridge Creek; granddaughter and husband Amy and Jeremy Hargis of Oklahoma City; and great-grandchildren Jackson and Karter Caves; Logan, Rustin, and Kayslee Elliott; and Henry Hargis; Sister, Margueritte Novotny of Chickasha and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Matt Caves, Brad Elliott, Anthony Castleman, Jeremy Hargis, Jackson Caves, Karter Caves, Logan Elliott and Rustin Elliott.

A graveside service and interment will be held November 19, 2024, at 2 p.m., in the Amber Cemetery, Amber, Oklahoma under the direction of Sevier Funeral Home, Chickasha, OK.