Martha Jeanette Ryals

Martha Jeanette Cox Ryals of Winfield, Alabama passed from this earthly life on the 1st day of March, 2026, just days shy of her 76th birthday.

Marty was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dr. Tony Jackson Ryals and also by her loving parents, James Willard and Hilda Wood Cox, her elder sister and brother-in-law, Anita and Ralph Ratliff and her nephew, Kirk Ratliff.

She is survived by her devoted and cherished niece, Elizabeth Ratliff Peoples, and her loving sisters, brother-in law and great nephew, Elizabeth and Donald Marrazza, Melissa Cox Justiceand Daniel Alexander Ratliff.

Marty was born locally in Haleyville, at the home and office of Dr. W.M. Godsey. As a daughter of an Air Force Master Sergeant, she grew up all over the world. She graduated from Columbia County High School in Lake City, Florida and received an associate's degree from Lake City Community College, where she spent much of her time working with the Theater Department as a student actress, set painter or stage hand.

Marty worked for many years for Old Dominion University School of Medicine in Norfolk, Virginia, but her lifelong passion surrounded her love of animals. She and her husband Tony established Ryalswood, a beautiful Arabian Horse sanctuary and farm in Zachary, Louisiana, where Marty rescued horses from dire situations, but also bred and raised champion Arabian stallions and mares. Besides her horses, Marty's home was always an oasis for many family dogs (including her most beloved Labrador Retriever, Juke), a host of barn cats, as well as goats that she humorously named after her mother and sisters.Marty also used the farm as a way to provide employment to individuals needing first and second chances in a secure, supportive environment.

Marty was beautiful, generous, feisty, stubborn and passionate about so many things and her family here will miss her until they are all reunited through Christ in the life to come.

The family is planning a small memorial service for April 25, 2026 to celebrate Marty's life and homegoing. In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to make a memorial contribution in Marty's name is asked to please consider the Alzheimer'sAssociation, which provides support not only to Alzheimer's patients but also individuals like Marty who suffer from other forms of onset dementia. Contributions may be made on the Alzheimer's Association website in Marty's name. Any note or acknowledgement to be sent by the Association should be addressed to: The Marty Ryals Family, 416 Edgewood Avenue, Winfield, AL 35594.