Ruth Martin Sanders

Ruth Martin Sanders was born in Edwards, Mississippi, on August 6, 1951, to the union of Wm. Martin and Rutha Bell Tillman Martin. She was the fourth of seven children. Ruth later moved with her family to Jackson, Mississippi, where she spent her childhood on Dansby Street, surrounded by a loving and close-knit extended family. Affectionately called “Baby Ruth” by her father, she was known as the quiet one; however, beneath her gentle spirit was a fierce protector who often stepped in to care for her younger siblings. From an early age, Ruth’s kindness, loyalty, and nurturing nature were evident to all who knew and loved her. After graduating from Jim Hill High School, Ruth enrolled at Jackson State University, majoring in Elementary Education. During her sophomore year, she met Eddie G. Sanders at a popular student gathering spot known as The Reservoir. In 1973, she graduated as a proud “True Blue Jacksonian,” a distinction she carried with pride throughout her life. Ruth later became a Life Member of the Jackson State University Alumni Association and remained deeply engaged, especially through her work with the Detroit Alumni Chapter, where she held several leadership roles and formed lifelong friendships. On July 6, 1974, Ruth married Eddie G. Sanders. The couple made their home in Detroit, Michigan, where they built a life grounded in love, faith, and community. Ruth became a devoted member of the Strathmore Church of Christ and later the Oakland Church of Christ. Even when her health limited her ability to attend in person, her faith remained unwavering, and she continued to worship faithfully online each Sunday. Ruth and Eddie welcomed their son, Cedric Martin, in 1977, and the following year, their daughter, Shamika Lenise, completed their loving family of four. Ruth was a devoted and attentive mother who never missed a recital, concert, baseball, football, or basketball game. She became a second mother to her children’s friends as well. Ruth’s house was the unofficial neighborhood gathering place, especially during the summers. She made sure every child who walked through her doors felt welcomed, cared for, and was fed. Ruth furthered her education by earning a graduate degree in Special Education from Wayne State University. Teaching was her calling, and Special Education was her passion. She poured her heart into her students, treating each student as her own. Her kindness extended far beyond the classroom as she gave Christmas gifts to her students and hosted summer pool parties each year. In 2011, Ruth retired from Detroit Public Schools after 37 remarkable years as an educator. Ruth was a natural-born athlete who spent many years in adulthood playing volleyball and softball, practicing yoga, and running half marathons. She also loved traveling, especially with her sisters, and cherished her annual visits with her brother Jerome. One of her most treasured memories was her 60th birthday celebration in Myrtle Beach, where more than 50 loved ones gathered to celebrate her. Ruth also enjoyed playing Bid Whist on Friday nights with her card group and spending time with her book club, The Ladies of TLC. What began as simple gatherings grew into lifelong friendships. Ruth found her greatest joy in being a grandmother. She was blessed with her first grandson, Anthony Khalid, in 2002, earning the title “Mama Ruth.” Anthony rarely went anywhere without his Mama Ruth. She welcomed her second grandson, Jayden DeSean, in 2003, and in 2014, her youngest grandson, Connor Jackson James, arrived. Though she jokingly exclaimed, “Another boy!”, Connor quickly became her baby. From just four months old, he spent his days with her, receiving the same loving care and attention that defined who she was. Ruth leaves to cherish her memory her husband of 51 years, Eddie G. Sanders; her son, Cedric Martin Sanders; her daughter, Shamika (Jared) Lenise Womble; and her beloved grandsons, Anthony Khalid Sanders, Jayden DeSean Sanders, and Connor Jackson James Womble. She also leaves her siblings, Galey (Herbert) Terry, Joan Hilton, Wilma (Jesse) McGee, Lois Martin, and Jerome Martin; her brother-in-law, Leonard (Johnella) Sanders; and her sister-in-law, Eva Cook. Ruth also leaves a very special former student turned son, Anthony Lockett, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her mother, father, and sister, Dean. Ruth was deeply loved by all who knew her. Her gentle spirit, a warm heart, and quiet strength left a lasting impression on everyone she encountered. Her legacy will live on in the countless lives she touched, the love she gave so freely, and the memories that will be cherished forever.

Ruth Martin Sanders

August 6, 1951 - April 28, 2026