Frances Ruth Martin (nee Kitchen)
April 29, 1941 – June 30, 2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ruth Martin. Ruth passed away on the morning of June 30, 2025 at the Hartney Community Health Centre.
Ruth will be remembered by her four children and their families; Chris, Connie (Paul), Heather and Penny (Brett), her 13 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.
Ruth was predeceased by her husband Gordon Martin, then in later years her friend Don Hargreaves, her granddaughter Candice Martin, her two sisters Peggy Kitchen and Noreen Powell.
Ruth was born in Souris, the third daughter of Ken and Phyllis Kitchen. She spent most of her life in Souris and was a long-time member of the Souris Art Club. Ruth’s artwork can still be seen on various murals throughout the town.
A memorial reception in honour of Ruth’s life was held at St. Paul’s United Church Auditorium on Tuesday, July 15, 2025. Private interment in the Minnewawa Cemetery Nesbitt, Manitoba. In memory of Ruth, donation may be made to the Souris Beautification Fund c/o Municipality of Souris-Glenwood Box 518 Souris, Manitoba R0K 2C0.
I’m so sad to learn of Ruth’s passing. She was a dear friend to our family. Always cheerful; beautiful inside and out. Her artistic gifts are treasured in many homes and public spaces in our community. She continued the Kitchen family tradition as a community builder in Souris.
Our sincere condolences and love to your family.
Ralph Whitfield
Pam Whitfield and Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Ruth’s family .
I am so sorry to hear of Ruth’s passing. She was an incredible, beautiful, zealous advocate and mentor in many areas of our wonderful Souris community. I will offer prayers for your healing through grief. I loved her very much. Blessings on family and all who loved her.
Huguette Forest-Coultry. ✝️
Connie Paul & family,
So sorry to hear of Ruth’s passing. She was always so pleasant, thoughtful and super talented! Her legacy is all over town! and a wonderful companion to my Uncle Don.
Cherish those memories…..
Pat McKay
My deepest sympathies to Ruth’s family. Her artistic legacy will live on for years to come.
Ruth was a very generous person who shared her artistic talents with residents and visitors to Souris, and her murals will be enjoyed for many years to come. She was also a very thoughtful and caring person who made a point of visiting people she knew when they were unable to get out and about. Their love of dogs will be something I will always remember about both Ruth and Don. She will be missed.
My sincere condolences to Ruth’s family.
Our sincere condolences to all of Ruth’s family.
I will miss Aunt Ruth. She did a number of unique things, always pleasant, always ready to provide a cup of tea. I seemed to run into her in numerous strange places, usually painting something. It seemed to be one mural after another or a fire hydrant. From the legion to painting a cow on a rock at Joe Goodwill’s. On numerous occasions she would show up with a bite to eat or to pick a few raspberries. Take care to all the family.
Ruth’s smile could light up anyones day. Seh looked on the brighter side of things, and always willing to lend a hand as needed. Her Art with always be remembered. ruth was a true Gem. Will miss out visits Ruth
Mary Ann Carlisle
Hugs to all the family, Ruth was very talented and her work will carry her memory on.
My condolences to the family!
I always enjoyed our visits .
She will be missed!
Margaret Edmunds
Mom and Ruth were good friends, and Ruth would drop by as much as possible. Mom greatly admired Ruth’s artistic talent! I knew Ruth as a friendly neighbour who was always interested in how I was doing and in my many pets. She was a truly lovely lady and will be greatly missed.
Debra Kain
Deepest sympathy to the Martin families. I knew Ruth through the art club and community. She had the greatest smile. Whenever I would run into her we had a good visit. Ruth was generous and shared her artistic abilities with Souris. My sincere condolences.
Dear Connie and Families, sincerest condolences to you all, how talented your Mom was. There are so many pieces of her Art work in town. She was a Gem. Thoughts are with you all.
So sorry for your family’s loss, she was a lovely person.