On July 31st, 1944, RUTH MARIE TRUSTY MATTOX was born in LINTON, INDIANA. She was named after both of her grandmothers while her father was on duty in the Pacific Theatre as a Paratrooper in the U.S. Army during World War II. Ruth Marie passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 12, 2026, in the early morning hours at Glenburn Senior Living in Linton, Indiana surrounded by her two loving and doting sons.

Ruth Marie was a 1962 Graduate of Midland High School. In high school she was known for her beauty and Singing Voice. Classmates still talk about her singing "Blue Moon" and "Rocking Around the Christmas Tree".

In Linton she was also known as "The Cotton Candy Lady". One of Ruth's many ventures were making Cotton Candy and raising money for Riley Children's Hospital.

Ruth Marie was a most devoted mother, a loving member of the family and a cherished friend to all who met and knew her. She displayed a fierce strength and love of God until her final hours. She was known to share tolerance and unwavering kindness for others. She gave love and showed compassion in so many instances when no love or compassion was returned.

She truly dedicated herself to her many places of work. Most specially she dedicated herself to her career which was very dear to her heart - working as a CNA in the Alzheimer's / Dementia Unit at Glenburn Senior Facility in Linton, Indiana where she built respectful relationships with all those around her: Administration, staff and patients alike.

Never did she forsake her priority of creating a warm and welcoming home as she also was never negligent in her duties with her businesses. Throughout her life, Ruth never sat idlily and watch the world pass by. She was always trying new things and reinventing herself with new business ventures and projects. RUTH'S HILLTOP FLOWERS & her COTTON CANDY were among the many that she poured her heart and soul into. Ruth Marie had many passions and hobbies: making custom jewelry, cooking, baking, gardening, home decor, flower arranging, art, country music, reading, etc.

As many will attest, Ruth Marie, always made all who entered her home feel welcome. Ruth loved the world ... her community, family, friends and travel. The world opened to her and she was receptive. She will be missed; but as she said before she left us, she was extremely excited to go on to her "next realm".

Ruth Marie leaves behind her two sons and their wives: Martin Wayne (Julie) Mattox, James Brent (Tna) Mattox; Grandchildren: Dustin Mattox; Michael Drury, Kristopher Drury, and Tony Brinson; Kellsey Ballard; Paige and Boaz Price; and Great-grandchildren: Henrietta & Natalya Mattox, Grant, Ayvin, Ava, Brycen, Ella and Brynam

In addition, she leaves her sister Debray Kay Graves; her brother Earl Daniel Trusty and his wife Julia Ferrufino Trusty. Also, her dear and most respectful and loving niece, Christina Trusty Groves.

Ruth Marie was preceded by her parents Earl Junior Trusty and Deborah Mae White Trusty (Bette); her siblings - brothers David Earl and Michael Junior and wife Juanita; husband James Wayne Mattox, and grandson Brooks Martin Mattox.

A funeral service will be held at Welch & Cornett Funeral Home in Linton, Indiana, of Walton Funeral Service, on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 1:00 PM. Officiating Funeral Services: Pastor Jordan Stockraham and Pastor Anthony Orman. A gathering will follow and will be announced after services.

Visitation will be held Saturday from 11:00 AM until the time of service.

Favorite memory: Ruth Marie subscribed to and was adamant about what her grandfather, Earl Trusty, and her father, Earl Junior Trusty, deeply believed ... that no one is better than anyone else.

"There isn't anything noble about being superior to another person. True nobility is in being superior to the person you once were."