Ruth Norma Martens

RUTH N. MARTENS Early June 12, 2015 Ruth Martens rose early to go be with her brothers, her husband, her sons and her beloved daughter. She died peacefully at her home following three weeks of shared joy visiting with her family, many friends and demonstrating with dignity and love, the lady all will remember. Ruth was born August 11, 1925 in Flat Willow, Montana in a 2-room homestead shack to John and Cecil Von Lindern. Growing up with her siblings on the treeless barren prairie, her education began in a one room school house at the exceptionally young age of 5 due to the shortage of 1st graders. In her 6th year the Von Lindern family moved to Buhl Idaho, which was lush and green compared to the desolation of Montana. The fields, streams and trees of Buhl provided everything necessary for the budding tomboy that Ruth was to become. It was about this time that Ruth’s brother, Warren, decided to become her coach and train her to be the fastest girl runner at school. Warren’s training was so successful that she was not only able to beat all of the girls but most of the boys as well. As a member of a farming family some of Ruth’s responsibilities were to work in the fields pulling weeds and at times driving the team of horses while stacking hay. For a short time while in high school Ruth would ride her bicycle to Buhl to work in King’s Variety Store. It was during her high school years, while attending a church function, Ruth met her future husband Waldo Martens. Their courtship continued until our country was faced with war and Waldo entered the Army Air Corps. In 1943, Ruth joined Waldo in Visalia, California where they were married. During those years she would follow Waldo to his various military bases in North Dakota, Arizona and California. When the war came to an end in the mid 40’s Ruth and Waldo returned to his home in Clover, Idaho where she began her life as a farm wife. In 1947 their 1st child Gerald arrived adding the new role of motherhood. In 1948 their son Keith was born, whose life ended shortly after birth. Their family continued to grow with the birth of Brent in 1949, who succumbed to cancer in 1986. Timothy followed in 1951 and finally a daughter Kala arrived in 1953 who also succumbed to cancer in 2014. A busy life followed for Ruth raising her family, growing gardens, canning and attending school activities. This continued until all of her children had grown. Ruth and Waldo decided to leave the Clover area and moved to Jerome where Ruth continued her life as a farm wife and wonderful grandmother. In Jerome Ruth and Waldo developed many new friendships that endured throughout the remainder of their lives. Years passed and retirement plans were made to move to a new home at the canyon edge in Twin Falls where they would still be close to their children and grandchildren. In 1997, while they were adding the final details to their new home, Waldo suffered a heart attack and passed away. Ruth now faced life as a widow. In the years that followed she enjoyed traveling with her family, meeting with and helping her many friends. In 2013 tragedy struck once more when her daughter Kala was diagnosed with cancer. Ruth spent nearly a year in Boise helping her daughter deal with cancer until the battle was lost in October 2014. Following Kala’s death, Ruth returned to her home in Twin Falls with her faithful dog Ritchie, who provided her with companionship and a purpose. Throughout her life, Ruth was recognized as an accomplished apparel designer and seamstress keeping her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren in beautiful clothes and was a master in prom dresses and business suits for her family and friends. Ruth was a faithful member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and regularly attended church with her family and maintained the faith in her Savior that was so evident as she made her final days a special memory for her family and friends. Ruth is survived by her sons Gerald (Judy) Martens, Timothy (Debbie) Martens, son-in-law Dale Duncan, daughter-in-law Lynn Yankee, sisters Doris Sumner, Lois Morgan, Mona DePartee, 12 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and many nephews, nieces and friends. A special thanks to Ruth’s sister Mona and her daughter Rene’ for the loving and continued care provided to Mom during her final weeks. The love and care made the journey much easier for Mom and everyone. The funeral for Ruth will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday June 17th at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 2055 Filer Ave East, Twin Falls, Idaho. Services will be under the direction of Pastor Roger Sedylmayer. A private graveyard internment services will precede the funeral service. Donations may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church Music Room Fund in honor of Ruth Martens. Services are under the direction of Rosenau Funeral Home. Family and friends are encouraged to share their memories at www.rosenaufuneralhome.com