Ralph Edward Martin

Ralph Edward Martin, 83, of Ashland, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, while surrounded by his family at King’s Daughters Medical Center.
Ralph was born in Marting, WV on August 25, 1940, to the late King David and Ethel May Shaffer Martin. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, David Jr. and James Donald Martin and a sister, Loretta Jean Martin Miller.
Ralph attended school and was raised in Hemphill, WV south of Welch, WV on the Tug Fork of the Big Sandy River. He lived there until he was 13 years old, when his family moved to Ashland, KY.
Ralph enjoyed sports and was the catcher on the 1953 Welch Little League All Star Team WV State Champions. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and participating in Men’s softball. He was employed at Armco Steel and retired from AK Steel following a 37-year career in 1997.
Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 65 years, Ruth Gillespie Martin; two sons, Ralph Wesley (Monica) Martin and David Edward (Beverly) Martin; one daughter, Rebecca Martin (Chuck) Napier; sister, Carolyn Martin Disney; grandsons, Ryan (Bekah) Martin, Ross Martin, Rece (Shayna) Martin, Nathan Napier, Caleb Martin and Alex Martin; granddaughters, Courtney Martin (Mike) Bartley, Natalie Napier (Izak) McKenzie; 4 great grandchildren, Kaylynn Martin, Selah Bartley, Brynlee Martin, Levon McKenzie; many special nieces and nephews and close friends.
A celebration of Ralph’s life will be held at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at STEEN FUNERAL HOME 13TH STREET CHAPEL with words of comfort provided by Brother Kenneth Ross. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Burial Park.
Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Ralph’s memory to the Shriners Children’s Hospital.
To share a memory of Ralph, extend condolences to the family or to view the service via livestream, please visit: steenfuneralhome.com.