Ruth Martin
March 6, 1955 ~ October 21, 2021
Ruth Martin
Ruthie, Ruth Ann, Ruth Ann Forsberg-Martin, Mrs. Martin left us during the morning of October 21, 2021. Her soulmate and husband Scott was by her side.
Ruth Ann was born on March 6, 1955, in Salina, KS. She is the daughter of Gordon “Gus” August Leroy Forsberg and Lucille Viola Forsberg, both of whom precede her in death. She is survived by her husband, Scott; and her brother, Doug. Her sister, Barbara, also precedes her.
She grew up in Mentor, KS and became a member of the “Mentor Gang,” a group of Mentor girls that would hang out under the railroad bridge and watch the trains go over the top.
She graduated from Southeast of Saline High School in 1973. The next four years she attended Bethany College in “Little Lindsborg.” She graduated in 1977 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, specializing in teaching students with disabilities. She started her teaching career at Beloit Elementary School teaching students with special needs who were 8, 9 and 10 years of age.
Ruth and Scott met in 1978 at the Good Earth Discotheque in Salina. They dated for four years and were married on July 10, 1982.
Ruthie then started teaching at Abilene Elementary School in Valley Center. In 2001 she attained her master’s degree in elementary education from Friends University.
She retired from teaching in 2009 and became a supporter of the arts. The arts helped to sustain her during the pain of chemotherapy and drug trials.
Ruthie was a dedicated teacher that inspired, encouraged and expected the best from her students.
A celebration of her life will be held at the Wichita Art Museum on Saturday, November 20, 2021. Doors will open at 5:30 pm. Celebration of Life will begin at 6:15 pm.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with Ulrich Museum of Art at Wichita State University, 1845 Fairmount St., Wichita, KS 67260.
Chris Bruner summed up her life in three sentences:
“I stand against death
Fighting every single breath
My life on my terms”
Service in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Mrs. Martin was my 2nd grade teacher at Abilene in the 91/92 school year. She was always known as the best teacher that every student wanted to be assigned. That school year I was lucky enough to be assigned to her class, along with several of my buddies. Over the course of many recesses Mrs. Martin decided us boys had spit on the sidewalk one too many times and after many kind warnings. So, she did what needed to be done. She kept about 8 of the culprits back at recess, lined us up along the school wall and had each one of us go along and spit on the others. That was the end of it- no more spitting recess. She was and still is the most talented and beloved educator I have ever known. In 1994 my family moved within blocks of Ruth and Scott. She was so loving, Ruth often invited me into their home just to chat and offer a snack anytime I was passing by on my bike. A few years later my family moved across the street from Ruth and Scott and they were the friendliest neighbors. When my family went through a death in the family, Ruth checked in frequently to make sure her former student and family was okay. Over the years, after moving away from home, whenever I saw Ruth, she always showed so much genuine interest and care for what was going on in life. I will never forget Mrs Martin and Scott and what they mean to me. God bless you Ruth!
one of a kind, no doubt about it. RIP Ruthie
Ruth Ann’s smile always graced the gardens at Botanica. I loved her strength as she courageously battled for her life. I will miss seeing you.
Mrs. Martin was one of my teachers, my favorite to be exact! I loved her so much and she was basically like my family, she will be dearly missed her and all her bunnies that is! I remember going into her class she hated the “R” word haha to this day i still call them bunnies. Love you Mrs. Martin take care of all the bunnies!
As Ruth’s cousin, I am so proud that a childhood that included hanging out a bit with the girls under a railroad bridge culminated in a career as a much-loved teacher, a patron of the arts, and most of all, as a model of how to embrace this life. I send my love and support to her soul mate, Scott, and heartfelt appreciation to the huge community she and Scott have drawn around them. Linette Lander, Washington, DC