Ethelyn (Bamma) Davis; Retired Co-Producer

Ethelyn (Bamma) Davis, retired co-producer of the “Pantomime Quiz” and “Stump the Stars” television shows, has died at a Tarzana hospital. She was 79.

A longtime resident of Sherman Oaks, Mrs. Davis died Thursday of cancer, said her husband, Lloyd D. Davis.

Born Ethelyn Stokey in Dallas, she came to California in 1932. She began working as a writer for her brother’s company, Mike Stokey Productions, in 1947 when “Pantomime Quiz” first aired. Mrs. Davis later became co-producer of the show, which featured charade contests among guest stars, including Angela Lansbury, Vincent Price and Jackie Coogan. Her brother was host and co-producer of the show. In 1961, the show’s name was changed to “Stump the Stars,” although it kept the same format featuring regular appearances by Dick Van Dyke, Carol Burnett and Sebastian Cabot. Mrs. Davis retired in 1970 when the show ended and went into syndication.

In addition to her husband of 56 years, Mrs. Davis is survived by her daughters, Diane Rohkar of Ojai and Danielle Vance of Sherman Oaks; brother, Mike Stokey of Van Nuys; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A funeral, with burial to follow, is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. today at the Old North Church at Forest Lawn Memorial-Park, 6300 Forest Lawn Drive, Hollywood Hills. Forest Lawn Mortuary, Hollywood Hills, is handling the arrangements. Donations can be made in Mrs. Davis’ name to the American Cancer Society.