Patsy Ruth Martin

Patsy Ruth Martin, 88, loving wife, mother, sister, friend, and aunt passed into the eternal arms of our Heavenly Father on Thursday, October 5th, 2023 at Seton Medical Center surrounded by her family members.

Patsy Ruth (Bradford) was born in Santo, Texas (Palo Pinto Co.) on June 23, 1935. She was the daughter of Mr. Frank Ingle Bradford, and Mrs. Minnie Watson Bradford, and younger sister to Mary Katherine Bradford (Parham). She graduated as salutatorian of Santo High School and continued her education at North Texas State College (now UNT) in Denton. She proudly graduated with a BBA in Business Education in 1957, following in the footsteps of her mother and sister who also graduated from NTSC. She proudly graduated with a B.S. in Education in 1957, just as her mother and sister had before her. Upon graduation, she taught 5th grade at Bowie Elementary in the Abilene, Texas ISD.

After meeting her soulmate and true love, William J. Martin, at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Abilene, they were wed in 1960. Their daughter Kimberly was born in 1961, and in 1962 Bill accepted a career opportunity in Austin where they have since made their home.

Patsy was a faithful and active member of The First United Methodist Church with her family, and cherished the many friends & memories they made while in The Wedding Ring Sunday School Class for over 55 years. She was also active in The United Methodist Women and Circle 5 at the church, and was a member of Bible Study Fellowship for years.

In the Austin community, she was a member of the University Women's Club while Bill was employed with The University of Texas. She also served as the President of the Women's Architectural League, and was a devoted volunteer docent to The Governor's Mansion for 20 years. She enjoyed membership in The Waltz Club and the Friday Night Dance Club of Austin, as well.

She was a supportive and doting grandma to Chelsea and Brooke throughout their childhood including attending many dance, choir, and piano performances over the years. Patsy enjoyed the company of family and friends along with cheering on the UT Longhorns in basketball, baseball, & football. She also relished her time spent at theater performances (in general all of the arts), travel, church, and cooking/baking for family and friends.

Patsy is predeceased by her father and mother, along with her sister Mary. She is survived by her husband Bill, daughter Kim Payton (Richard), granddaughters Chelsea & Brooke Payton, and sister-in-law Janie Brock (Burl) . She is also survived by nieces, nephews, and extended family members along with many friends.

We will fondly remember Patsy as wonderfully kind and compassionate in the cherished time spent with her.

The family would like to thank Dr. Robert L. Groves at Capital Medical Clinic, Dr. Jason L. Melear at Texas Oncology, the nursing and medical staffs at Ascension Seton Medical Center, Brookdale Westlake, and Maravilla Domain for their kind and professional care of Patsy.

A memorial service celebrating the life of Patsy will be held at Weed Corley Fish Parkcrest, 5416 Parkcrest Drive, Austin, TX 78731 on October 27, 2023 at 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to the Endowment Fund at fumcaustin.org, Mobile Loaves & Fishes (mlf.org), or the charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.wcfishnorth.com for the Martin family.