Ruth Martinez, 98, died March 6, 2018 at Bethel Home in Montezuma.  She was born on July 4, 1919 in Mexico, the daughter of Jose and Maria (Cabrerra) Ascencio.

When Ruth was an infant, her parents came to the United State and made their home in Gray County.  Ruth began her education in Cimarron and graduated from Ingalls High School.  On June 23, 1941, she married Jay Martinez in Ingalls.  He preceded her in death on March 10, 2009.  Ruth worked as a paraprofessional for the Sublette School District.  She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, and gardening.

Ruth is survived by five children, Ruth Ann Waldron of Dodge City, Susan Riphahn and husband Jim of Fort Collins, Colorado, Butch Martinez and wife Linda of Copeland, Mark Martinez and wife Sherrill of Baldwin City, and Anthony Martinez and wife Geri-Lynn of Saranac, New York; one sister, Gloria Graff of Silver City, New Mexico; 10 grandchildren; and 10 great grandchildren.  In addition to her husband, Jay, Ruth is preceded in death by her parents and a daughter, Barbara Waldron.

Vigil Service will be held at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Dodge City on Thursday March 15, 2018 at 7:00 PM.  Funeral Mass will be held at the Cathedral on Friday March 16, 2018 at 10:00 AM with Rev. Wesley Schawe presiding.  Burial will follow at the Copeland Cemetery.  Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Home, Dodge City on Thursday March 15, 2018 from noon to 5:00 PM.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Copeland Public Library or Gray County EMS in care of the funeral home.  Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.