RUBY MARTIN

1933 - 2015

WORTHINGTON — Ruby Martin (Potter) died Wednesday, March 25, 2015, following a nearly 20 year battle with Parkinson's disease, at Cherith at Willow Brook in Delaware, Ohio.

Ruby is survived by her children, Kay (Jon Rickard of Lodi, Ohio), Janet (Matthew Walworth of Centennial, Colorado), Greg (Cindy of Winchester, Virginia), and Scott (Sheila of Delaware, Ohio); and grandchildren, Emily Rickard (Tyler Mele of Los Angeles, California), Samantha (Jeremy Koontz of McLean, Virginia), Maggie Rickard (Lodi, Ohio), Elizabeth Martin (Washington, D.C.) and Grace, Ella, and Gina Martin (Delaware, Ohio).

Ruby was preceded in death by her parents, Joel Rubin and Katie (Obrodo) Potter (Barberton, Ohio); sister, Mildred Maylor (Massilon, Ohio); brother, David Potter (Barberton, Ohio); loving husband, John G. Martin Jr.; and cherished grandson, Martin Emerson Walworth.

Ruby was born on Sept. 25, 1933 in Barberton, Ohio.

She graduated from Barberton High School in 1950 and Heidelberg College in 1954.

Ruby married John G. Martin Jr. in 1955 and they started married life in Wadsworth, Ohio. Ruby and John built a life together as they transferred with Babcock and Wilcox from Ohio to Illinois, to Michigan and eventually back to Ohio while raising their four children. Ruby's professional career began as an elementary school teacher (1954 to 1955) and, after her children began school, continued as a preschool teacher in the 1970s. In 1978 Ruby realized a dream when she purchased The Village Booksmith, an independent bookstore in Medina, Ohio, which she operated with John for 18 years. During this time Ruby grew the bookstore from a small shop to a destination place in Medina. Ruby took pride in the diverse inventory she selected for the store; meeting the literary needs of a growing community in the time prior to big box stores and the internet.

She delighted in specializing in children's literature and, together, Ruby and John serviced the literacy needs of schools ranging from Columbus to Amish schools in Holmes County to urban districts across Northeast Ohio as well as the general public. An avid reader, Ruby could find the right book for any customer. In 1984 Ruby and a small group of Medina business people orchestrated the first holiday Candle Light Walk. Now, 30 years later, this event continues and has become a Medina tradition. In addition to being a bookseller, Ruby was active with the international student exchange program AFS as an area director. To this day, there are AFS exchange students around the world who call Ruby, "Mom." The importance of family was the cornerstone of Ruby's character. Ruby's strong faith and her church family were important to her throughout her life. Family was often the focus of Ruby and John's travels around the world as they would plan trips to coincide with family reunions and celebrations.

A memorial service celebrating Ruby's life will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 30, 2015 at Liberty Presbyterian Church, 7080 Olentangy River Road, Delaware, Ohio 43015.

Donations may be made in Ruby's name to the National Parkinson Foundation of Central & Southeast Ohio, 2800 Corporate Exchange Drive, Suite 265, Columbus, OH 43231 or online at http://www.centralohioparkinson.org.

Arrangements entrusted to Schoedinger Worthington Chapel, 6699 N. High St., Worthington.

Visit www.schoedinger.com to share memories or condolences.