Martha Ann Ruley

Martha Ann Abell Ruley, 86, of Phillipsburg, born on January 30, 1940, passed peacefully surrounded by her loved ones at UofL Hospital on September 22, 2026.

She was known to be a devoted catholic, wife, mother, and Nanny to all. To know Nanny was such a blessing to have the opportunity to be loved by her. Her presence was always felt so warm by everyone. She had a way of making everyone feel special; from the eldest grandchild to the tiniest great-great grandchild, each had a cherished place in her heart. She had a way of making everyone around her feel loved, and the love she shared and the beautiful memories she created will remain in our hearts forever. She will forever be loved, deeply missed, and never forgotten.

Martha was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph Lawrence Ruley; parents, Frank and Lily Abell; siblings, Gilbert Abell, Frankie Abell, Howard Abell, and Geraldine Sheets; one granddaughter, Shannon Ballard Pinkston; one grandson, Andrew "A.J." Hayen; and one great grandson, Dakota Ruley.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Pam Ballard of Bardstown, Larry Ruley (Sandy) of Holy Cross, Gail Ballard (Harold Smothers) of Loretto, Allan Ruley of Crystal River, FL, Todd Ruley of Bardstown, Kim Hayen (Jamie) of Cox’s Creek, and Tony Ruley (Franzelia) of Lebanon; 16 grandchildren; several great grandchildren; siblings, Sammy Abell, Randy Abell, Johnny Abell, Davy Abell, Kathy Hawthorne, Carol Abell, Doris Wiggs, Janice Newton; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will miss her dearly.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am Friday, September 25, 2026, at Saint Francis Assisi Catholic Church, 200 School House Drive, St. Francis. Father Richard Goodin will officiate. Interment will follow in Saint Francis Assisi Cemetery.

The visitation is 4-8 pm Thursday at Mattingly Funeral Home, 195 Holy Cross Road, Loretto, with a prayer service at 7 pm by Rev. Deacon Joseph R. Dant.

Pallbearers are Allan Ruley, Jason Ballard, Tyler Healy, Patrick Ruley, Cameron Ruley, and Kevin Abell.