Ellen Sue Martin

She was preceded in death by her younger brother, Herman Rotsch. She is survived by her siblings Alice Scarbrough of Austin, Texas, and Walter Rotsch of Jasper, Texas.

Ellen was the devoted wife of Rex Kyler Martin, Jr. for more than fifty years and a loving mother to her three children: Danya Christine Martin Kieval and her husband Richard Kieval of Montgomery, Texas; Rex Kyler Martin III and his wife Sandra Martin of Bulverde, Texas; and Alison Lynne Martin Hyde and her husband Craig Hyde of Conroe, Texas.

She was a proud grandmother to seven grandchildren: Rebekah Salisbury, Joseph Kieval, Connor Hyde, Frances Martin, Ph.D., Jennie Rojas, Mary Alice Hyde, and Ian Martin, and a delighted great-grandmother to Kyler, Sloane, Evelyn, Graham, Ryder, and George, on the way.

Ellen devoted her entire professional life to education as a speech pathologist, a calling she pursued with compassion and excellence. She was a graduate of Texas Christian University and took great pride in her work supporting children and families. She was especially proud that all three of her children and all of her grandchildren earned college degrees.

While raising her family, Ellen was deeply involved in her children’s lives and activities. She served as a Girl Scout leader, Cub Scout leader, 4-H leader, and Sunday school teacher. She faithfully transported her children to music lessons, horseback riding lessons, and horse shows—always with encouragement and unfailing support.

A lifelong lover of dogs, Ellen began showing dogs with her parents at the age of three and carried that passion into adulthood, traveling the countryside with her children to dog shows. Over the years, the family showed Brittanies, Whippets, Italian Greyhounds, and Chihuahuas, creating lasting memories rooted in shared commitment and joy.

As her children grew older, Ellen devoted increasing time to her faith and service in the church. She was active in the Altar Guild at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in San Antonio and within the Diocese of West Texas, where her dedication was recognized in 2012 when she was honored as the Distinguished Woman of the Diocese of West Texas.

Ellen loved to travel, and her final adventure was an Alaskan cruise with her two daughters - a journey that reflected her lifelong curiosity, independence, and love of family.

A private inurnment service will be held at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in San Antonio.