Ruth Ann Ashby

Ruth Ann Ashby, age 70, of Lincoln, DE, passed away on January 25, 2026, surrounded by love and a lifetime of cherished memories.

She was born on March 3, 1955, in Pittsburgh, PA, to the late June and E. Wayne Martz Jr. Ruth later moved to Delaware, where she graduated from Christiana High School in Newark. Raised in a family devoted to care and learning, her father was a doctor, and her mother was a nurse and librarian. She followed in her mother's footsteps as a librarian serving for many years at the Claymont and Newark Libraries and later at Middletown High School.

Ruth earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Delaware, where she met John Ashby. Though their marriage later ended, Ruth remained deeply committed to keeping her family connected. To her, family was defined by love, not biology. Her children were hers in every way that mattered.

A lifelong volunteer, Ruth co-managed the Friends of the Dover Public Library Bookshop from 2008 to 2025. She was also a published author of an academic article as well as several opinion pieces for local newspapers. She enjoyed genealogy, researching her Irish, German, and Native American roots, and volunteered countless hours contributing to the Find-a-Grave website to help others discover their family histories.

Over the years, Ruth lived in many places but remained deeply connected to her community through service. She will be remembered as sweet, strong-willed, practical, passionate, caring, and fiercely devoted to those she loved.

She is survived by her children, Adam (Sara), Bryan (June), and Erin (Tannin Miller); stepson Jay (Vicki); grandchildren Austin, Mara, Justin, Dylan, Knolan, Kadence, Isaac, and Madison; siblings Cathy Roth (Terry), Michael Martz (Carol), and David Martz; her longtime partner, Pat Young; many nieces and nephews; and the two cats she dearly loved.

A Celebration of Ruth's Life will be held on March 2nd from 1-3 pm at Delaware Veterans Post #1, 2535 Veterans Dr., Wilmington, DE 19810.