Martha Ruff Murray's Obituary
Martha, a devout Christian, was born January 11, 1935, in Eddy, Texas, to Melba Bowers Bateman and Wayne Ard Bateman and passed away peacefully November 4, 2023 in Longview, Texas. After graduating from Waxahachie High School, Martha attended the University of North Texas where she joined her beloved Chi Omega sorority and was crowned Homecoming Queen in 1955. At the request of her father, Martha transferred to Austin where she graduated from the University of Texas where her Chi Omega sisters welcomed her. After graduating from The University of Texas, Martha married Jere Johnson Ruff and moved to Longview where she taught high school English and Spanish. Martha and Jere were married for 51 years and enjoyed their mutual love of traveling the world, spending time with family and friends and involvement in the First Christian Church of Longview. Martha was active in the Junior League of Longview; was a devoted 69-year member of Chi Omega; and, until her passing, was an avid participant of Green Thumb Garden Club with her long-time friends. She enjoyed playing bridge, sewing needlepoint and reading. Her passion, however, was teaching young children about Jesus through Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF), an after-school Bible study, which she taught for over 50 years.
Martha’s granddaughters were her joy. Affectionally known as “Ama,” she was the grandmother in the stands at every volleyball game, basketball game and dance recital. She taught them to love Jesus, to enjoy traveling and to see the world in a positive light. After the death of Jere, Martha found love again late in life with Wesley Murray.
Martha was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands, Jere and Wes, and her brother, Wayne. She is survived by her son, Jere Johnson Ruff, Jr.; son, Eric Glen Ruff (Lori), granddaughters Lauren Camille “Cami” Ruff Dombrowski (Craig), Juliana Ruff Smith (Nathan) and Caroline Ruff (fiancé Kyle), brother-in-law Jon Ruff (Nancy), cousins Gayle Coward (Larry), Barbara Jensen (Floyd) and many more loving nieces, nephews and cousins. Additionally, she is survived by Wes’s sons, Jud (Nancy), Jason, Jim (Susie) and numerous children and grandchildren.
The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Hawkins Creek Assisted Living as well as Heartsway Hospice and private caregivers Debbie Marberry and Janice Darrensbourg. In addition, special thanks should be given to family friends Glenn McDonald, MD and Ben Mack, MD who provided advice, counsel and went above and beyond in their care for Martha.
Funeral services for Martha will be held at 1:00 on November 11th at the First Christian Church in Longview. A private family service to follow at Memory Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of Martha’s favorite charities including the First Christian Church of Longview, 720 N. Sixth St., Longview, TX 75601, Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) at P.O. Box 4075, Longview, TX 75606, Trinity School of Texas at 215 N. Teague, Longview, TX 75601, or the Jere Johnson Ruff and John N. Thomas Endowed Scholarship Fund at the University of Texas at Tyler, Longview University Center at 3201 N. Eastman Road, Longview, TX 75605.
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