Ruth Martz Obituary
Ruth I. Martz, 89, of Freeport, IL, passed away Tuesday January 27, 2026 in her home. She was born November 7, 1936 in Freeport, IL, the daughter of William and Florence (Sager) Thruman. Ruth married Richard Martz on April 22, 1955 in Shannon, IL. Richard passed away March 15, 2018. In her free time she enjoyed gardening, sewing, and cooking.
She is survived by her two sons; Tim Martz of Idaho, and Daniel (LaDessa) Martz of Saratoga, WY, three daughters; Kathy (Kim) Hill of Cape Canaveral, FL, Pamela (Keith) Winfield of Verona, WI, and Nancy (Steve) Kness of Freeport, IL; and fourteen grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren.
Preceding her in death are her parents, husband, five brothers, five sisters, and son-in-law Dan Carey.
Memorial services will be 1:00 P.M. Monday February 2, 2026 at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home. A visitation will be held from noon until the time of service. Cremation rites have been accorded. Burial of cremated remains will be next to her husband at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in the summer. A memorial has been established for SSM Hospice. The family would like extend their gratitude to Kelly and Wendy from SSM Hospice for their great care.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
504 N. Walnut Street, Freeport, IL 61032
People and places connected with Ruth
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Ruth Martz
Make a Donation
in Ruth Martz's name
How to support Ruth's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Ruth Martz's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
