Ruth Martin

Ruth Martin SMITHFIELD - Una "Ruth" White Martin, 89, passed into the hands of our Lord on Thursday, June 3, 2010. Born Oct. 2, 1920 to C. Jefferson and Mattie Belle White in Harrison, Ark., Ruth graduated from Valley Springs High School in 1938, attended Arkansas State Teacher's College in Conway, and received her bachelor's degree from University of South Florida in 1976 after writing her thesis, "Thailand - a Slender Reed." She served her country from 1943 to 1945 as cryptographer for Military Intelligence Agency during World War II in Washington, D.C. She also worked for Americana Encyclopedia in Washington. After retiring to Florida in 1959 with her family, she spent her time working for the Chamber of Commerce, Tropigas, and worked many years at First Baptist Church as the church secretary in Lehigh Acres. She was active with her daughters and spent more than 20 years as a Girl Scout leader. She loved serving the Lord by sharing her love and talents with her church family, helping her neighbors, and visiting with her many family members. She enjoyed sewing clothes for others including wedding gowns, suits, pageant dresses, and casual wear. Recently she enjoyed cross-stitching many baby quilts for family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Harold C. Martin. Ruth leaves to cherish her memory her three daughters: Nancy M. Summerall and her husband Jim of North Fort Myers, Fla., Mary R. Carney and her husband Phillip of Smithfield, Stacey M. Avrit and her husband Jim of Smithfield; six grandchildren, 12 great- grandchildren, one great- great-grandson, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She will be deeply missed by family and friends. The family wishes to extend their deep gratitude and thanks to Riverside Convalescent Center and Magnolia Manor for their compassion and loving care over the past two years. A memorial service will be held to celebrate Ruth's life at Harvest Fellowship Baptist Church on Battery Park Road, Smithfield, Friday, June 11, at 6 p.m. with Pastors Randy Green and Ronnie Bunch officiating. Friends may join the family for a time of visitation after the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Ruth's honor to support her love of missions to Harvest Fellowship Baptist Church, 19290 Battery Park Road, Smithfield, VA 23430, (757) 356- 9494. Arrangements are in the care of Colonial Funeral Home, Smithfield.