S Rita R. Martin

STERLING – Rita R. (Partridge) Martin, 93, of Gates Road, died Wednesday, July 1, 2009 in Saint Vincent Hospital, Worcester after a brief illness.

She leaves her husband of 63 years, the Rev. Theodore A. Martin former pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Clinton; two sons, Theodore "Ted" A. Martin, Jr. and his wife Cindy of Wolcott, CT and Paul L. Martin and his wife Kathleen of Fitchburg; a sister, Lillian Beech of Chatom, AL; five grandchildren, Rebecca Martin of Virginia, Jonathan and Allison Martin of CT, Jennifer Martin of Shrewsbury and Kimberly Smith and her husband Gregory of Billerica; a great-granddaughter, Natalie Smith; and many nephews and nieces.

Mrs. Martin was born in Springfield, a daughter of William and Martha (Bey) Partridge, and lived in Clinton for 37 years before moving to Sterling in 1985. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, its choir, alter guild, ladies aid society and was a Sunday School Teacher.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, July 6th, in the Miles-Sterling Funeral Home, 100 Worcester Road (Rte. 12), Sterling. The funeral services for Mrs. Martin will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 7th, in Trinity Lutheran Church, Clinton. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery, Clinton. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Trinity Lutheran Church Endowment Fund, 117 Chace Street, Clinton, MA 01510.

Website & Guestbook: www.milesfuneralhome.com