Martha Ann West Vletas

Martha was born at home on March 1, 1930 to Cody Thomas and Sula Mae Ratliff West in Haskell County, Texas. At the age of sixteen, she began her studies in education at Hardin-Simmons University where she also became a HSU Cowgirl. Many veterans were returning home from WWII to continue their education at this time and in 1948, she met and married former Marine and HSU Cowboy Band member, Otis C. Waddill, Jr. of Brady, Texas. Upon graduation, she began her career as a school teacher while also caring for her husband and two daughters. Initially Martha taught at Bowie Elementary and then took a teaching position as a First Grade teacher with St. John’s Episcopal School. Mr. Waddill had been ill since the war and died in 1967. Martha was very active with Beta Sigma Phi for many years, receiving several awards for her service. She married George “Pete” Vletas of Abilene, who also had two daughters. Later in her career with St. John’s, she was selected to become the Interim Headmistress although her true calling had always been in the classroom. Martha continued teaching through the late eighties until her career took a big turn. She became co-owner of Candies by Vletas with her husband, Pete, and was without a doubt, the “sweetest” advocate for chocolate and the Vletas family business. Martha was extremely caring to her family, friends and former students. She took great pride in all of their accomplishments. She was predeceased by her husband, George “Pete” Vletas; parents, Cody and Sula Mae West; daughter, Kelly Lee Vletas; and brother, Thomas Ratliff West. Martha is survived by three daughters, Debra Waddill Mashburn of Ft. Worth, Texas; Donna Waddill Peters of Manassas, Virginia; and Nicole Alexandria Vletas Standly of Houston, Texas; sister, Myra Janice West Moore of Idalou, Texas; her loving sons-in-law, sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, 6 grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren and her extended family including loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. The family would like to extend their loving gratitude to the staff at Stonegate Nursing Center in Fort Worth. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hardin Simmons University in memory of Martha West Vletas or your favorite charity.