Ruth C. Martin

Ruth C. (Grover) Martin, 90, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 6, 2018 at Pheasant Wood Center, Peterborough.

Born in Rowley, MA, she is the daughter of the late William and Janibelle (Savage) Grover. Raised and educated in MA, she met and married the love of her life, the late Robert Martin. The couple lived in North Hampton. In addition to being a homemaker, Ruth worked as a seamstress for many years. She had her own shop, Sew-It-Seams, in North Hampton. She later worked for the Hampton Coach company, sewing the interiors of fancy antique cars that were being restored.

A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Ruth's family was paramount in her life. Her greatest desire was for everyone to share good times and make memories together. Throughout the years, she organized reunions for her expansive family. At the Annual Christmas Party, family members gathered together to celebrate the holidays. As a gifted quilter, one of Ruth's masterpieces was raffled off every year for decades. Family and friends cherish the beautiful quilts she created for them. For a while she hosted a Grover Summer Party at Ruth's home and farm allowing family to camp on the property while enjoying a cool dip at the local lake and participating in a chili cook-off competition.

As a Mom, Ruth supported any activity or interest taken up by her three children with gusto and tireless energy. Ruth volunteered her time and talents as a softball and baseball coach for the town recreation department in North Hampton, Boy Scout Master for Tom, Girl Scout Leader for Lynne and Bobbi, and even the neighbors kids when hers were grown! She became a band booster, and a drama club supporter, enjoyed watching fencing, wrestling, track and football for Tommy and singing, drama and band performances for Bobbi, bowling league and advanced softball for Lynne had her traveling all over the state. She led a 4H sewing group to share her talents with the young ladies of town. In the summer all three had swimming lessons, this meant early rising when she could have slept in, and cold water and shivering ungrateful kids, but she was determined!

An environmentalist and lover of nature, she rooted herself in nature whenever possible. Having hiked many mountains in NH with the scouts, in her older years she sent others to hike for her, she honestly claimed she had been there and done that! Ruth tried repeatedly to have nice flower gardens each season, pining all winter for their colorful blossoms to return. Some of them did, and she treasured each bloom. Ruth found solace in the sights and sounds of the ocean. She cherished time spent on the coast of Maine with her family, especially at Mohegan and Bailey's Islands. In her spare time, she enjoyed writing stories and poetry.
A longtime member and Deacon at Longmeadow Church in Auburn, Ruth's Christian Faith brought her great comfort and strength. She was an organizer of Longmeadow's Ladies Circle and hosted their annual Christmas party in her home, complete with a hired pianist so they could all sing Christmas carols together! She also planned numerous day trips for seniors in the town of Auburn through the recreation commission, on which she served. In her younger years, Ruth enjoyed dancing the Jitterbug with her many dear friends. Despite having had a very hard and difficult life with many setbacks, Ruth was the most joyful and loving woman. She will be best remembered for her generous heart and love of family.

Ruth is survived by her daughter, Roberta Double and husband David of Temple; two grandchildren, Emily and Thomas; one brother, Donald Grover; countless nieces, nephews, and friends. In addition to her parents, Ruth was predeceased by her husband Robert Martin, daughter, Lynne (Martin) Begin; son, Thomas Martin; and 15 siblings.

ARRANGEMENTS: Her Memorial Gathering will be held in the Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 243 Hanover St., Manchester on Friday, July 20 from 4:30 to 6:30P.M. with a Memorial Service at 6:30P.M. Reception to follow. Ruth will be laid to rest at Main Street Cemetery, Rowley, MA in a private service at a later date. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Ruth's memory to Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation, 1001 E. 101st Terrace, Suite 220, Kansas City, MO 64131.