Ruth Nell Martin

Ruth Nell Martin, age 90, of Cumming, passed away Saturday, April 19, 2025 at her home. Born April 8, 1935 to the late Luther and Winnie Bennett, she moved to Forsyth County as a child and made her life here. She was a member at Coal Mountain Baptist Church.

Ruth was the oldest daughter of seven siblings and, as such, she became a mother figure to her brothers and sisters. To her family, she was always “Poochie.” They all had fond memories of their younger years, and all remained close throughout their lives.

She married Emory Martin in 1955. They made their home in Coal Mountain and started raising a family along with some cattle and chickens. Over the next forty years, Ruth and Emory, along with a handful of others in Forsyth County, became pioneers in the poultry business. In the 70’s and 80’s, poultry was driving the future of the area, and the Martin’s farm was at the forefront.

Ruth was a true matriarch. She worked in the chicken houses, kept the books, cooked the meals and raised the children. She taught Sunday school and led Cub Scouts and Brownie troops. If the kids got in trouble at school, she fixed it. If the judges at a horse show made a mistake, she let them know. At almost 80, Ruth was still taking grandchildren to Italy. She was the rock that her husband, her children, and the entire family leaned on. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, advocate, confidant, and when necessary, judge and jury. By those of us still here, she was so loved, and her passing leaves a hole in our hearts and our lives. But knowing her heart, we look forward to the day when we are all reunited.

Ruth is survived by her daughter Heidi Beckman and son-in-law Witt Beckman of Cumming, her son Andy Martin and daughter-in-law Bonnie Martin of Cumming, her five grandchildren, Winter Random, Drew Martin, Luke Martin, Jake Martin, and Josh Martin, and six great grandchildren, her sister, Ann Preston and brother-in-law Gary Preston of Cumming. Several nieces and nephews also survive. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Tommy, Mack, and Roger Bennett, her sister Jane Whiteside, and by one daughter, Kristi Martin.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, April 23, at 2:00 p.m. at the Ingram Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Pete Martin officiating. Interment will follow in Sawnee View Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends at Ingram Funeral Home Tuesday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Wednesday from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the service.

Ingram Funeral Home, 210 Ingram Ave, Cumming, GA is in charge of arrangements.

Condolences may be expressed online at ingramfuneralhome.com.