Service to Others 'Second Nature' for Late Moorestonian

Ruth Mae Frock Martin, 82, died peacefully at The Evergreens on Friday, April 5, after a long and valiant battle with Alzheimer’s. 

Ruth was born on June 2, 1930, in Philadelphia, to the late Ruth and Roy Frock. She is survived by her three children: Russell E. Martin and wife Vicky, of Asheville, NC; David F. Martin and wife Sue, of Winston-Salem, NC; and Paul J. Martin and wife Jamie, of Moorestown. Ruth was also blessed with six grandchildren: Daniel, Jamie, Elizabeth, Sarah, Gabrielle and Alexander.

Ruth grew up in Philadelphia with her parents and four brothers—Sam, Paul, Roy (Sonny) and Jim. She attended the Philadelphia High School for Girls (Girls’ High) and graduated from East Stroudsburg State Teachers College.

Ruth was a dedicated elementary school teacher her entire life, touching thousands of children with her incredible kindness and love. She taught kindergarten in Abington Township, PA; Lancaster, PA; Tenafly, NJ; Moorestown; Cinnaminson; Haddonfield; and Burlington. She completed her teaching career at the Discovery School at McGuire Air Force Base with 13 years of faithful service. Teaching and nurturing children was one of Ruth’s passions; she received the New Jersey Governor’s Teacher Recognition Award for 1993-1994.

A longtime resident of Moorestown, Ruth served as the president of the Moorestown Women's Club, president of the Moorestown Home & School Association, and president of Moorestown Newcomers and Neighbors. Service to others, especially those less fortunate, was second nature to Ruth. A devoted member of the First United Methodist Church, she shared her love for Jesus as a Sunday school teacher and as an integral part of the Stephen Ministry.

Ruth was a crafter at heart. She loved ceramics, cross-stitch, quilting, macramé, knitting, and embroidery. Her wonderful crafts adorn the homes of friends and family members. She also loved going "down the shore" to Long Beach Island for the sun and sand in Surf City. Her smiles made it a warmer place. Barnegat Lighthouse will always shine a little brighter for all of us because of Ruth. 

It has been said "the most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love, and to let it come in." No one gave as much love as Ruth Martin. She was a dedicated mom, grandmother, friend and teacher.

Ruth was already an angel on Earth, and Heaven is now a brighter place. She will be missed, but we celebrate her finally breaking free from the clutches of Alzheimer’s—no one could have handled that challenge with more grace.

There will be a celebration service for Ruth at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 21, at the First United Methodist Church in Moorestown.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Ruth's name to the Alzheimer's Research Initiative at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Office of Development, PO Box 571021, Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1021.

Condolences may be left at www.lewisfuneralhomemoorestown.com.

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