Ruby P. Martin

Ruby is survived by her children Kay (Jon Rickard of Lodi, Ohio), Janet (Matthew Walworth of Centennial, Colorado), Greg (Cindy of Winchester, Virginia), and Scott (Sheila of Delaware, Ohio) and grandchildren Emily Rickard (Tyler Mele of Los Angeles, California), Samantha (Jeremy Koontz of McLean, Virginia), Maggie Rickard (Lodi, Ohio), Elizabeth Martin (Washington, D.C.) and Grace, Ella, and Gina Martin (Delaware, Ohio). Ruby was preceded in death by her parents, Joel Rubin and Katie (Obrodo) Potter (Barberton, Ohio), sister Mildred Maylor (Massilon, Ohio), brother David Potter (Barberton, Ohio), loving husband John G. Martin Jr. and cherished grandson Martin Emerson Walworth.

Ruby was born on September 25, 1933 in Barberton, Ohio. She graduated from Barberton High School in 1950 and Heidelberg College in 1954. Ruby married John G. Martin Jr. in 1955 and they started married life in Wadsworth, Ohio. Ruby and John built a life together as they transferred with Babcock and Wilcox from Ohio to Illinois, to Michigan and eventually back to Ohio while raising their four children.

Ruby's professional career began as an elementary school teacher (1954 to 1955) and, after her children began school, continued as a preschool teacher in the 1970's. In 1978 Ruby realized a dream when she purchased The Village Booksmith, an independent bookstore in Medina, Ohio, which she operated with John for 18 years. During this time Ruby grew the bookstore from a small shop to a destination place in Medina. Ruby took pride in the diverse inventory she selected for the store; meeting the literary needs of a growing community in the time prior to big box stores and the internet. She delighted in specializing in children's literature and, together, Ruby and John serviced the literacy needs of schools ranging from Columbus to Amish schools in Holmes County to urban districts across North East Ohio as well as the general public. An avid reader, Ruby could find the right book for any customer. In 1984 Ruby and a small group of Medina business people orchestrated the first holiday Candle Light Walk. Now, 30 years later, this event continues and has become a Medina tradition.

In addition to being a bookseller, Ruby was active with the international student exchange program AFS as an area director. To this day, there are AFS exchange students around the world who call Ruby, "Mom." The importance of family was the cornerstone of Ruby's character. Ruby's strong faith and her church family were important to her throughout her life. Family was often the focus of Ruby and John's travels around the world as they would plan trips to coincide with family reunions and celebrations.

A memorial service celebrating Ruby's life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 30th at Liberty Presbyterian Church, 7080 Olentangy River Rd. Delaware, Ohio, 43015.

Donations may be made in Ruby's name to the National Parkinson Foundation of Central and Southeast Ohio, 2800 Corporate Exchange Dr. Suite 265 Columbus, Ohio 43231 or on-line at .