Ruth Martell, age 76, of Belcourt, ND passed away on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at her home.
Ruth Curtis Martell was born on July 26, 1948, in Caneyville, KY to Curtis and Oleta (Farris) Hayes.  She was raised in Greyson County and Louisville, KY.  Thanks to "new testing," Ruth skipped ahead two years in elementary school.  At a high school /USO dance, she met the love of her life, Patrick Martell who was stationed with the US Army near Louisville.  It must have been love at first sight as they were married the following year on August 3, 1963, by her uncle Oscar, a Baptist minister.  Ruth converted to Catholicism and they celebrated a 2nd marriage at St Ann's Catholic Church in Belcourt. The couple spent time in Ohio and Louisville before moving to Belcourt. Together they welcomed five children to the family: Richard, Darren, David, Christopher Todd, and Patricia.  In 1978, the family moved to Bismarck for better job opportunities and so the kids could attend Bismarck schools.  Ruth worked as a dental assistant before enrolling at the University of Mary to obtain her Bachelor of Nursing degree.  Upon earning her degree and nursing license, Ruth and Pat moved back to Belcourt.  Ruth, RN, worked at Presentation Medical Center before joining the Indian Health Service in Belcourt.  She worked in all areas of the facility: clinics, OB/labor & delivery, acute care management, and the emergency department.  Although she enjoyed working in all departments, the ER was her choice department where she worked until her retirement in 2018.  Ruth absolutely loved nursing.
When Ruth wasn't working, she loved to spend time with her family, or on the phone with them.  Spoiling her grandkids was mandatory.  Ruth always said she hated cooking, but she was still very good in the kitchen.  She loved reading, shopping (purses, shoes, uniforms), and watching her favorite TV programs like CSI, Bones, Bluebloods, etc. Her favorite channel might have been JTV.  And FOX.  Ruth will be deeply missed by her family, her children, her grandchildren, great grandchildren, siblings and friends.
Ruth is survived by her children, Richard (Lori) Martell of Belcourt, Darren Martell of Dunseith, and Patricia (Chad) LaRocque of Bismarck; grandchildren, Dustin, Lacey, Lynn (Jay), Sasha, Joshua, Weston, Milee, Hannah, and Greyson; great grandchildren, Alexa, Aubree, Eli, Isaac, Avery, Faith, Trace, Lauren, Katelynn, Jenna, Reese, and Aubrey; siblings, Adrian (Mayron) Hayes, Howard (Tamiko) Hayes, Susan (Howard) Decker, and Mark (Beulah) Hayes; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Patrick, sons David (Neela) and Christopher Todd, and four brothers, Charles, Lowell, Richard (Juanita), and Christopher.
Honorary Urn Bearers are Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Belcourt, ND with visitation beginning at 8:00 AM and Rosary Service at 9:00 AM prior to the funeral mass.  Refreshments will follow in the church basement.
Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND.

When I am gone, release me, and let me go.

You have so many things to see and do.

You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears.

Please be happy we had all these years.

I gave you all my love.

You gave me happiness.

I thank you for the love you have shown,

But now its time to be home alone.

So, grieve awhile for me if grieve you must.

Then let your grief be comforted with the memories I left you.

You see, its only for awhile that we must part.

So, bless those memories within your heart.

I won't be far away, for life goes on-

So, if you need me, call and I will come.

Though you can't see or touch me, I'll be near.

If you listen with your heart,

You'll hear my laughter so soft and clear.

I promise I'll be near you.

You'll feel it in your heart that I hold so dear.

And then, when you must come this way alone,

I promise I'll greet you and welcome you home…