Remembering Ruth Eileen Martineau: A Life of Family and Service

Ruth Eileen Martineau, a devoted mother and accomplished nurse, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2026, at Carondelet Village in St. Paul, Minnesota. Born on April 2, 1923, in Pana, Illinois, she was the youngest of five children in the Holland family, raised during the challenges of the Great Depression.

Ruth trained at St. Vincent’s Hospital, earning her registered nurse degree. Following her education, she served as an Ensign in the U.S. Naval Service at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Great Lakes, Illinois. During her service, she met her husband, Fortune Martineau, a wounded Marine officer. The couple married in 1946 after her honorable discharge and dedicated their lives to raising six children—a journey that would take them across several states.

Life and Legacy of Family and Independence

Ruth and Fortune’s life together was marked by mobility and adventure, reflective of the greatest generation. Their family resided in North Dakota, Indiana, Washington, Montana, and ultimately Arizona, thanks to Fortune’s degree in pharmacy. Following her husband’s passing in 1996, Ruth relocated to Minnesota to be near her family.

Her upbringing during the Great Depression profoundly shaped her values. Ruth frequently visited relatives in Boston and Indiana while her father managed his lumber yard. Family was central to her life; she took immense pride in being a full-time homemaker. A devout Catholic, Ruth emphasized the importance of education through parochial schools and instilled a love of reading in her children.

Ruth’s independence was evident in her adventurous spirit. She often drove long distances with her children, embarking on summer vacations to visit family in Tennessee and Indiana. In her leisure time, she enjoyed playing bridge, focusing on social games with friends rather than competitive duplicates.

A Legacy of Love and Gratitude

Ruth is survived by her five sons: Phillip (wife Stephanie) of St. Paul, Minnesota; Fortune IV (wife Susan, deceased) of Thornton, Colorado; Joel (wife Diane) of Canal Fulton, Ohio; Thomas (wife Judith) of Zionsville, Indiana; and daughter Mary Merkle (husband Kurt, deceased) of St. Paul, Minnesota. She is also survived by six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family expresses deep gratitude to the staff at Carondelet Village and Optage Hospice for their exceptional care and compassion during Ruth’s final days. Their support was invaluable and appreciated beyond words.

A funeral mass will take place at Brophy Chapel in Phoenix, Arizona, on January 19, 2026, at 15:00. Following the service, a private interment will occur at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, honoring Ruth’s commitment to family and her service to the nation.