Martha A. Ralston, 79, of Barnesville, Ohio passed away on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, surrounded by her family at home. She was born on November 27, 1945, in Barnesville to the late Russell A. and Gladys M. (Hall) Ball.

Martha was a true lover of animals. As a child and teenager, she spent a lot of time helping her father with their dairy cows and riding her beloved horses. She dedicated the majority of her adult life to working with pets as a dog groomer, receptionist at the Barnesville-Woodsfield Veterinary Services, and then co-owner of the Barnesville-Woodsfield Veterinary Services with her husband David. She loved to sew, read, work in her garden, take walks, swim, shop, travel, and cook for her family. She was known for making the best bread, pepperoni rolls, and pies for her family. Her family was always her priority and her love will resonate with them for all their lives.

Martha's faith in God carried her through many difficult times and joyous times in her life. This resilient faith was an inspiration for all of those who saw her live fully every day with her challenging disease.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a step-grandson, Ian Livingston.

Martha is survived by her husband, David Ralston; children, Catherine (Robert) Livingston, Amanda (Wes) Brown, Paul Russell (Tracey Shriner) Wilcox, Benjamin D. (Cinnamon) Ralston, and Dr. Christina (Josh) Stephen; grandchildren, Brandon (Jenna) Brown, Kara Brown, Alli Wilcox, Shelbie Davey, Halle Ralston, Orion Smith, Jordon Smith, Benjamin A. Ralston, Shaunell Ralston, Grace Ralston, Perry Ralston, Bane Stephen, and Tate Stephen; great-grandchildren, Kolson Brown, Arlie Brown, and Kaya Ralston; and a sister of her heart, Joan Hall Hamilton.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 26, 2025 from 1-3 and 5-7 PM at Campbell-Plumly-Milburn Funeral Home, 319 North Chestnut Street, Barnesville, Ohio. Visitation will be held on Monday, January 27, 2025 from 12 PM until the time of service at 1 PM with Rev. Tom Detling officiating. Burial will follow at Hope Cemetery in Hendrysburg, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Martha's memory to the Belmont County Animal Shelter, 45244 National Road W. St. Clairsville, Ohio 43950 or Belmont County Cat Stray Shun, P.O. Box 207, Morristown, Ohio 43759