Martha Elizabeth Stroope

MARTHA ELIZABETH STROOPE, 80, of North Little Rock, died June 2, 2012. She was born March 27, 1932 in Imboden, Ark. Preceding her in death were her parents, Evelyn and Jasper "Jack" Lucas, sister Mary Katherine, and brothers Hank and Wellington Kessler. She was married for 58 years to the love of her life and best friend, Dr. George Franklin Stroope. As a child, she loved to dance and earned her way through dance classes by teaching younger children. She also taught ballet and tap dancing prior to leaving home at the age of 17 to attend St. Vincent's School of Nursing. After earning her nursing degree, she worked as an RN at St. Vincent's Infirmary and the VA, where she met her husband, Dr. Frank Stroope. She was an avid gardener and known to all as having a true "green thumb." She was always known to be able to grow plants and produce and nurture beautiful flowers such as her orchid collection and always prided herself on her assortment of flowers no matter what the season. She had many other talents such as her love of cooking and her ability to master any recipe with perfection. She loved to entertain her many friends with her culinary skills. Additionally, she thoroughly enjoyed movies of all kinds with a penchant for scary or action packed films. The same was true for her love of books. For many years, she and "Dad" bred, raised, and showed champion American Staffordshire Terriers. She loved her animals and became quite the expert with this breed of dog. She developed many life-long friendships throughout their association with the American Kennel Club. In addition to her love of dogs, she also had a profound love for traveling and especially loved her trips to Maine, Alaska, Italy, England and Ireland. She recounted those fond memories all of her life. Always having a great love of God throughout her life, she and "Dad" joined the Catholic Church in 1993. Her faith was always strong and never wavered during her illness. Her love of her church was prominent in her life and once again brought them many new cherished friends. There was never a dull moment in her house as she had such a vivacious sense of humor. She was extremely, funny, witty, generous, kind, and was a true joy to be around. To all who knew her, her "sassiness" was well known. We loved her for that. Her constant love for life and how she lived was infectious to those around her, especially to her family. That is why there was no greater love story than the one she had with her husband, Frank. There is no way to adequately describe how much she loved him, her children, and grandchildren. She was a member of the Ladies Guild of the Cathedral of St. Andrew, Pulaski County Medical Auxiliary, North Little Rock Junior League, the American Kennel Club, and her beloved membership in the "Old Doctors and Wives Dinner Club." She fought a courageous battle against pancreatic cancer with great dignity and strength. During her illness, she never lost her wicked sense of humor, her laughter, or her faith in God. She showed us all the true meaning of life. She is survived by her sweet husband, Dr. Frank Stroope and her five children, Karen and Jimmy East of San Antonio, Texas, Drs. Judith and Kevin Forte of Little Rock, Suzanne Stroope of Flower Mound, Texas, Dr. Henry and Nicole Stroope of Jonesboro, Ark. and Jane and Greg Hohn, of North Little Rock. Grandchildren are Alison and Andrea East of San Antonio, Texas, Julia Hohn, David Hohn, and Andrew Hohn all of North Little Rock, Ark., Matthew and Catherine Forte, both of Little Rock, Ark., and Emily and Stella Stroope of Jonesboro, Ark. Other survivors include her sister, Amelia Wiles (Chester), of Phoenix, Ariz., and her brother, Richard Lucas (Christine), of Benton. She also leaves several nieces and nephews whom she loved very much. The family will receive visitors at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 5 at the Cathedral of St. Andrew, 617 Louisiana Street, Little Rock, Ark. 72201, followed by the Rosary at 7 p.m. A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, June 6 at 10 a.m. also to be held at the Cathedral of St. Andrew. Monsignor Francis Malone will be the celebrant. The family would like to express our deepest and sincere appreciation for those who tenderly cared for her during her illness, especially Dr. Joseph Beck, Dr. Nina O'Connor, Dr. David Hayes, and all of the nurses and staff of Arkansas Hospice. Memorials may be made to the Cathedral of St. Andrew Renovation Fund, 617 Louisiana Street, Little Rock, Ark. 72201, or Arkansas Hospice, 14 Parkstone Circle, North Little Rock, Ark. 72116. Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.