Ruthmarie Martz

RUTHMARIE MALFEO MARTZ (97) went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on October 5, 2019. Wife of Edsel B. Martz (deceased) for sixty years and mother of Shari A. and Michael B. Martz. Ruth loved and served Jesus all her life. She was a gift from God. Humble, she never really thought of herself and gave love in many caring and thoughtful ways. She loved gardening and reading, but most of all people. She was light and salt and radiant joy. Ruth was lots of fun! Ruthmarie was born to Antonio and Clara Malfeo in Staples, Minnesota in 1922. She served in the United States Marine Corp during World War 2 reaching the rank of Technical Sgt. She married her beloved husband, Edsel B. Martz, a fellow marine, in 1946 in Cherry Point, NC. Her sister, Ione Malfeo joined the Marines with her in 1943. Her brother, Marvin (Tony), Malfeo, while serving in the US Navy, was killed in the Philippines in 1945. Her sister, JoAnn Jasmer, resides in Minnesota. Ruth was an elementary school teacher for thirty-six years in Arlington County, VA. She loved her Nottingham Elementary School family – the children, their families, and her colleagues. She was a lifetime learner. Ruth was a member of the Arlington Retired Teachers Association; charter member of the Women’s Military Memorial in Arlington, VA; charter member of the Ellis Island Foundation; former member of Alpha Delta Kappa Honorary Teachers’ Sorority, Christian’s Women Association, and Senior Adult Program in Arlington; and lifetime member of Virginia PTA Association. Ruthmarie enjoyed traveling with her husband, her ministry of writing thoughtful and encouraging cards and letters, working crossword puzzles, the Washington Nationals, and the Washington Redskins. Ruthmarie “Theresa” Malfeo Martz was blessed with thoughtful, caring family and friends and will be greatly missed. She would tell you to trust in Jesus and give your heart to Him. “What a Savior.” Visitation will take place at Murphy Funeral Home (1102 W. Broad Street in Falls Church, VA 22046) on Thursday, October 10 from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. There will be a viewing from 12:30-1:30 pm and a Celebration Mass at 1:30 pm on Friday, October 11, at St. Agnes Catholic Church (1914 N. Randolph Street in Arlington, VA). Burial will be Tuesday, October 15, at Quantico National Cemetery at 1:00 p.m.