Martha J. Valentine

Martha Jane Valentine, 97, of Dennison, passed away on Friday, May 27, 2016, at Union Hospital in Dover. Born October 8, 1918 in Dennison, she was a daughter of the late Flaviano and Tomasina (Martinelli) Ruffini.

Martha was a lifelong member of Immaculate Conception Church, was active in its Altar Society for many years, and was a 1937 graduate of St. Mary’s High School. On July 7, 1938, she married Anthony J. “Tony” Valentine with whom she enjoyed nearly 44 years of marriage until his passing on June 26, 1982. They were blessed with two children, Larry (Carol) Valentine and Nancy (David) Thompson, and a granddaughter, Jennifer (Scott) Sanek. Many nieces and nephews complete her surviving family. The last of her generation, Martha was preceded in death by her brother, Dominic Ruffini who died in World War II, and sisters, Lucy Powszok and Edith Gardina-Margoni.

She will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who loved cooking for her family. Her homemade Italian specialties, especially spaghetti and meatballs, were delicious and always a treat for her family, as well as her Christmas cookies. Martha also had a green thumb and loved tending her flowers.

Father Tyron Tomson will celebrate the funeral Mass at 10am on Wednesday, June 1, 2016 in Immaculate Conception Church. Interment will follow beside her beloved husband in St. Mary’s Cemetery near Dennison. Visitation will be 6-8pm on Tuesday in the R.K. Lindsey Funeral Home in Dennison, concluding with a 7:45pm Christian Wake Service. Memorial contributions may be made to Immaculate Conception Church’s Capital Campaign.