Ruth Jeannette Martin

Ruth Jeannette Martin (nee Green), 91, of Vermilion, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020 at Kingston Residence of Vermilion after a year long illness. She was born April 28, 1928 in Hiram, OH, to Miriam Knippenburg and Fred Green. She grew up in Auburn, OH on her grandparent's fruit farm. Ruth graduated from Auburn High School in 1946 where she served as class secretary for 4 years, played the trumpet in marching band, and was voted "the healthiest girl in Geagua County"! In 1947, while working at WT Grant in Cleveland, Ruth met Frank C. Martin, the love of her life. They married and had three children while living in Maple Heights. In 1962, the Martin's moved to Vermilion and fell instantly in love with their community. They joined the United Church of Christ Congregational on State Street. Ruth was active in Marmaru Circle for 54 years, taught Sunday School and nursery school, sang in the choir, and served on Diaconate. Ruth helped with funeral luncheons, the cookie walk, and was known for her delicious pies-especially lemon meringue and coconut cream! Ruth found her true calling when she was hired by the Vermilion Local Schools as a Kindergarten teacher's aide. She loved working with the children for 15 years. Their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were adored by Ruth and Frank. Family always came first with them. They loved hosting family gatherings, taking family trips to Florida and Michigan, and being outside teaching them about nature. Ruth loved gardening, yard work, and her flowers- she and her daughter Sue planted flowers at Kingston and the residents enjoyed them... many thanks to Rick whom watered them for mom. She also loved reading novels and especially her two cats, who resided at Kingston with her. She fought never ending battles with the squirrels who ate her bird food. Ruth borrowed a super soaker gun and shot water out of her window screens to keep them away! Ruth loved going to Casinos (thank you to Kingston's Kim and Katie for taking her), jig saw puzzles, and taking pictures of her grandchildren. Ruth and Frank loved to travel and visited many European countries, National Parks, and loved Alaska, Hawaii, and Prince Edward Island. Ruth will be dearly missed by her daughters, Susan E. (Jim Forthofer) Cieslak of Vermilion, and Laura J. (Art) Daniels of Aurora, CO; son, Thomas A. Martin of Elyria; grandchildren, Dan (Auri) Martin of Elyria, Jennifer (Jen Hansen) Pierce, Lauren (Matt) Cieslak- Bahnsen, Lindsay (Mark) Beckerman, and Tim (Emily) Daniels; great grandchildren, Donovan, Dominic, A.J., Aminah, and Sam; sister, Lois Cavanaugh of Hiram, and her brother, Ronald Hoffman of Burton. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 57 years, Frank Charles Martin in 2005; sister, Judy Dyer; and her brother, Robert Hoffman. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020 from 4-7 p.m. at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion, Ohio. Funeral services will be Thursday Feb. 27, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. at the United Church of Christ Congregational, 990 State Street, Vermilion. The Reverend Mindy Quelhorst will officiate. Interment will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery, Vermilion. The family suggests memorial contributions to Friendship Animal Protective League, 8303 Murray Ridge Road, Elyria, OH 44035; the United Church of Christ Congregational Food Pantry, 990 State Street, Vermilion, OH 44089; or Stein Hospice, 1200 Sycamore Line Sandusky, OH 44870. Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.