Martha Ruth Rix

Martha Ruth Rix was born in Dublin, Texas on October 16, 1929. She was the daughter of Lawrence Rogers Keller and Ruby Dabney Keller. She passed away on February 17, 2015. Martha attended the Dublin public schools and graduated from High School in 1947. She was valedictorian of her class, editor of the school annual, and selected by the faculty as the “All Around Girl.” She attended Tarleton Jr. College to study music education and piano and was valedictorian of her class. She was president of her social club and nominated as Home Coming Queen. She completed her studies of music education and piano at the University of Texas where she also had a teaching fellowship. She was president of her music sorority and received her Bachelor of Music in 1951.

On October 3, 1953 she married the love of her life, Dr. Cecil Charles Rix, a geologist with Carter Research Company in Tulsa, Oklahoma. To this union were born two children, Charles Rix and Jane Rix. Because of Cecil’s profession, the family lived in several different countries. They lived in England from 1961-1963 and 1978-1979, France from 1968-1970, and traveled to many different countries in Europe and later, Southeast Asia. Martha helped the children adjust to the different cultures and languages.

While living in the United States, Martha and her family were active members of the Memorial Church of Christ in Houston, Texas. She taught Bible classes, Vacation Bible School, supported her husband in his work as an Elder of the congregation, and was known to be an important source of encouragement to many. Martha also exemplified the power of faith and a positive attitude in the face of illness and adversity.

Martha enjoyed travel, reading, and many different types of concerts. She also enjoyed being associated with the Esso wives in Surrey England, the American Women’s Club in Bordeaux, France, craft groups in Houston, and the Exxon retirees in the 77079 area of Houston.

She is pre-deceased by her husband, Dr. Cecil C. Rix, her daughter Jane E. Rix, her daughter in law Jenny (Alley) Rix, and her brother Charles Keller. Her son Dr. Charles Rix, her grandson Nathan Keller Rix, her granddaughter, Abby Rix Degge and her husband David, her sister-in-law Joyce Keller, her nieces Karen Brown and family, Nancy Bean and family, and nephew David Keller and family survive her.

During the last days of her life, she enjoyed and appreciated her granddaughter Abby Rix Degge staying with her and taking care of her.

Martha will be sorely missed but beautifully remembered.

Visitation will take place on Friday, February 20, 2015 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, located at 13001 Katy Freeway in Houston, Texas, 77079. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made in Martha's memory to one of the following organizations:

Oklahoma Christian University

Center for Global Missions

Box 11000

Oklahoma City, OK 73126-1100

Vitas Healthcare (Hospice)

3131 Eastside

Suite 200

Houston, TX

Memorial Church of Christ

Building Fund

900 Echo Land

Houston, TX 77024