Ruth Willett

Ruth Martin Willett passed peacefully at her home on Friday, October 24th, 2025. She was born to Amos N. Martin and Maude Brewton Martin on February 19th, 1929 in Decatur county on the family farm. A graduate of Thomasville High School in 1946, she then attended Flora McDonald College. She soon met her future husband Ray Willett, a baseball player with the Detroit Tigers farm system. They married on September 24, 1947, and the marriage lasted 47 years until his death in 1994. Ruth was preceded in death by her grandparents B.L and Floy Brewton, her parents Amos and Maude Martin and siblings Sam Martin, Alice M. Hamilton and Jack Martin. And special friend Lyle Cooper. Ruth enjoyed playing and watching golf. She played at Glen Arven Country Club and Country Oaks golf course. She and Ray traveled the country playing golf and attending professional tournaments. A favorite pastime of Ruth’s was watching and cheering on the Atlanta Braves. Traveling was another passion of hers, with her husband Ray or with friends, Ruth enjoyed the adventures.

Ruth was involved in the community on several levels her entire life. The Thomasville First Methodist Church was an important focal point for over 60 years as well as Wesley Glen, a ministry of the church. Leadership in the Girl Scouts was an important part of her life, helping to inspire the lives of young girls. Ruth’s involvement with The Annual Rose Festival was a true passion, enlarging the festival to include several aspects and programs during her time with the Thomasville Chamber of Commerce. She also worked with Lloyd Eckberg and the South Georgia Chamber of Commerce. She also coordinated the reunions for her graduating class of 1946 at Thomasville High School.

Survivors are children Marty Willett, Lea W. Sampson (Kenny McVay), Clay Willett and Deane W. Williams (Mike). Grandchildren Josh Willett (Nicole), James Willett, Danielle S. Smith (Josh), Matt Sampson (Kelsy Sharpe), Jamie W. Walden (Ben), Thomas Williams (Sarah), Candice Barge and Cory Barge. 10 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Other survivors are Ruth’s adopted families, which include the families of Gloria Smith (Joe), Lois Duston (Doug) and Evelyn Hall (Cary).

The family would like to send a big thank you to Bethany Hospice for their care and love shown to our mother.

A visitation will be held Monday, October 27th, from 5pm to 7pm at Allen and Allen Funeral Home. Services will be on Tuesday, October 28th, at 1pm at First Methodist Church of Thomasville, GA. with interment in Laurel Hill Cemetery.