Martha J. (Young) Ralston

RALSTON, Martha Jane “Peg” (Young) Age 101, died on November, 2024, in Cincinnati, Ohio. She was born on September 6, 1923, in West Union, Ohio to Bert Oakley and Mary Belle (Shultz) Young. She is survived by three sons: Edwin of (Hamersville), Michael (Jeanne) of Cincinnati, Todd (Darlene) of Cincinnati; six grandchildren: Julie Ralston, David (Stephanie) Ralston, Kelly (Nicholas) Werner, Jesse B. Ralston, Nicole (fiancé Zakary Fisher) Meyer, and Jacob Meyer; five great-grandchildren: Lucy and Gavin Ralston, Landon and Mason Werner and Lincoln Salvador; sister, Margery Grace Young of Cincinnati; brother, Edward Young of West Union, Ohio; and many nieces and nephews. Martha was preceded in death by her husband of 32 years, Jesse E., in 1987; parents; brother, Howard Young; sister, Mary Geraldine Buchner; brother-in-law, Robert Buchner; sisters-in-law, Phyllis Young and Joyce Young; her infant twin granddaughters, Michelle and Emily Ralston; and her daughter-in-law, Connie Ralston.

One hundred and one years, 2 months and 18 days … a life well-lived.

Martha’s welcoming and reassuring smile is something that we will always remember. Her easy-going ways, work ethic, culinary skills and her willingness to help earned her names of affection such as Ma & Aunt Peg.

A strong work ethic began early for Martha, she tended the fire and carried water to her one room schoolhouse for two dollars per month. She picked strawberries for Strawberry Sam Malone for two cents per quart and all she could eat. She graduated from West Union High School in 1942 and was the last surviving member of her class. Her first job was in West Portsmouth, Ohio as a domestic (cooking meals, cleaning and laundry which at that time you boiled all of the white clothes which included diapers) for eight dollars per week. Afterwards she worked at Crawford & Frame Dry Goods and later Davis Five and Dime store in West Union. She moved to Cincinnati in 1945 and worked on an assembly line soldering wires for radios at the (Crosley) Avco Company. She continued to work there until her marriage to Jesse on February 19, 1955.

Family was important to Martha! Her boys, Eddie, Mike and Todd were the light of her life, each one held a special place in her heart.  She showed her love for them by how she took care of them ~ they always had polished white shoes as a toddler, the whitest baseball pants on the field, and never had to butter their own piece of bread (even in adulthood).  Martha continued that devotion with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, babysitting when needed and as they grew older her door was always open for visits.  They will remember Ma in the kitchen baking pies, and the special cinnamon and sugar treats that were made just for them with leftover pie dough.  Martha’s heart was full when family gathered around the table to enjoy the meal she had prepared. 

As Martha’s parents aged, she and her siblings lovingly cared for them until their passing. Martha was exceptionally close with her younger sister, Grace, who lived in her home from 1960 to the present. She tenderly cared for her for many years after Grace suffered a life-altering stroke.  Martha led by example, and her family has cared for her just as she had cared for her parents and sister.

Family members and friends admired Martha’s culinary skills: pies, yeast rolls, noodles, fried potatoes, German chocolate cake, thumbprint cookies and bubble bread were just a few of her specialties. Her son, Mike, once volunteered her to be a substitute crossing guard at his elementary school. Six weeks turned into 42 years of service to her community and second generation students. She was loved by the children who received her grandmotherly attention. She would ensure they were warmly dressed by buttoning up their coats and helping with their gloves, brought them treats for holidays and helped them cross safely.  If you asked her, Martha would share her preferences for Esther Price chocolates and all-white flower arrangements, but she was gracious for any gift she received. 

She was a lifelong member of Beasley Fork Christian Union Chapel. She regularly attended Beasley Fork Women’s Society meetings if she was able and still has many friends and family in West Union. Martha lived out her faith and exemplified being the hands and feet of Christ.

The family will receive friends from 5:00-8:00 pm on Friday, November 29th at Thompson Meeker Funeral Home, West Union, Ohio. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 30th at Beasley Fork Christian Union Chapel, 1247 Beasley Fork Road, West Union, Ohio with interment at West Union Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Beasley Fork Christian Union Chapel, C/O Rachel Seamon, 2171 Vaughn Ridge, West Union, Ohio 45693 or Hospice of Cincinnati, Inc., P.O. Box 633597, Cincinnati, Ohio 45263-3597.

A scripture that spoke to Martha is John 14:1-3

1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

As the scripture says, Martha has been received in her Father’s house.

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