Ruth Martin was born December 5, 1930 in Gause, Texas.  She went to her heavenly home December 27, 2022 to be with her Lord and embrace those loved ones who have gone before her.

Clara Ruth Thomas Martin was welcomed by her parents James Lee and Clara Ruth Porter Thomas along with two brothers and a sister.  Being the youngest of the family she was known as "Baby Ruth".  She was raised in the small community of Hix, located outside Caldwell.  As a young girl she worked with her family on their dairy and was the one who delivered milk by horseback. After graduating from Lubbock High School in 3 years, she then attended Texas Tech and graduated from there early as well.  She moved to Franklin after graduating college and began teaching.  Ruth met the love of her life, Miller B. "Buddy" Martin, her first year of teaching.  They met in September, started dating in October, got engaged in November, and were married December 20, 1952.  They made their home in Easterly, Texas and welcomed a daughter, Karon, in November of 1953.  Ruth took some time off teaching to raise her family and along with Buddy they both finished their master's degree from Sam Houston State Teachers College.  Larry was born in 1956, Jana joined the family in 1958, and Kay rounded up the Martin crew in 1962.  She and Buddy were married for 26 years before he was killed in an auto accident in 1979.  She continued teaching until her retirement in 1992.  Her entire teaching career was with the Franklin School District.

Ruth was a teacher but also had many interests.  She loved working on the family ranch riding horses and helping work cattle.  She also enjoyed sewing, teaching Sunday School, and working in her yard.  Ruth had a caring heart and loved watching the baby calves that were born in the Spring.  Another bigger passion was her grandkids and great-grandkids.  She loved attending all the sports and events they were involved in.  As a member of the First Baptist Church in Franklin she was active with the Prime Time group playing games and having many adventures, with Toby Foreman as the driver, traveling and laughing where ever they went.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, James and Clara Ruth Thomas, her husband Buddy Martin, brothers James and Foster Thomas, and sister Kathryn Barnes.

She is survived by daughter Karon Bond and husband Jon of College Station; son Larry and wife Melissa of Franklin; daughter Jana DeStefano and husband David of Franklin; daughter Kay Walker and husband Dan of Franklin; grandsons Landon Martin, Laramie Martin (Sarah), Brandon DeStefano, Bryant DeStefano (Kristin), Layne Walker (Emilie), Lance Walker (Lydia); granddaughters Mika Frazier, Monika Ford (Jonathan), Larissa Lutz (Kyle), Sara Hanks (Josh), Kayce Hedrick (Will), and Kyla Robinson (Kade); great grandchildren Jayde Ford, Kylar and Kolter Lutz, Demi and Olee DeStefano, Brylee, Aubree, and Jay Hanks, Cru and Lawsyn Walker, Rhett and Hayes Hedrick, and Jax Walker;  Lynne Bond,  Aiden and Cora Ford.  Ruth is also survived by special friends John Turner and Jan Hughes along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, Ruth requested that memorials be made to the Easterly Cemetery, c/o Jan Hughes, 9259 E US Hwy 79, Franklin, Texas 77856, or a charity of your choice.  Our sincere thanks goes out to the team of nurses and staff at Parcs at Traditions for their care and kindness and making her feel at home for the last 6 months.  Mommy will forever be remembered for her spunkiness, independence, and love.

Pallbearers:  Landon Martin, Laramie Martin, Brandon DeStefano, Bryant DeStefano, Layne Walker, Lance Walker, Jonathan Ford, Kyle Lutz, Josh Hanks, Will Hedrick, and Kade Robinson.

Visitation will be Monday, January 2, 2023 at McCauley Funeral Home from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm and funeral services will be Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at the First Baptist Church in Franklin at 1:00 pm with internment to follow at Easterly Cemetery.