Janice Ruth Martin

Janice Ruth Barton Wise Martin, 93, of Abilene passed away on Thursday, December 14, 2017 in Coleman, Texas.

The daughter of Jewell (Lisman) and Jim “James” Barton, Janice was born on January 4, 1924 in Callahan County, Texas.  She attended school in Oplin, Texas through the 5th grade, later graduating from high school in Odessa. She taught piano for many years, worked as an aircraft mechanic during WW II, worked in Abilene Christian University post office, and had been a rural U.S.P.S. carrier.  She was a member of Southern Hills Church of Christ in Abilene.

Janice was preceded in death by her parents, two husbands, Harvey Wise and Curtis Ewing Martin; two daughters, Dana Rideout and Sheila Wise; two brothers, Howard Barton and Orlan Barton; a son-in-law, Gary McLeod, and great-grandson Benjamin Curtis Crites.   

Survivors include one daughter, Darla McLeod of Abilene; step-children Mike and Anne Martin of Hampton, Arkansas, Russ and Pamela Crites of Garland, Texas;  grandchildren and spouses: Danyelle and Heath Hemphill of Coleman, Colby and Hallie Rideout of Cleburne, Tori and Colton Turner of Abilene, Trevor McLeod, Jana Martin of Plano, Marsie and Kris Clark of Wylie, Derek and Lindsay Crites of McKinney, Terri and Ben Caldwell of Richardson; and  great-grandchildren: Ethan and Hadley Hemphill; Sidney and Carson Turner; Jackson Scott; Madison, Macy and Morgan Clark; Cade, Callie and Caelyn Caldwell, and Andrew Crites due in January;  extended family and friends. 

Janice’s priorities in life were faith, family, friends, and music. There was nothing she loved better than a house full of people.   From the time she was raising her own children, through her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, her home was a center for friends, family, church gatherings, playing cards or dominoes with friends, and her piano students.    Her love of music was shared with her piano students who became her extended family.  Janice was a doer.   When someone needed a ride to church, a homecooked meal, someone to sit with a loved one at the hospital, help at the state school, Janice was one of the first to volunteer.   

Janice loved new adventures and traveled in the states and abroad.  There was nothing she loved better than to watch her children, grandchildren, and great-children achieve life goals, participate in competitions such as the rodeo or school events.     

Janice loved life, her family, her church family and many friends.   Her tenacity, faith, love of scriptures, strong work ethic, laughter, and caring spirit impacted the lives of many.     

Pallbearers are:  Colby Rideout, Craig Rideout, Steve Barton, Mike Martin, Russ Crites and Derek Crites

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Sunday, December 17, 2017 at The Hamil Family Funeral Home Chapel, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene, officiated by Steve Ridgell and Danny Minton. Family visitation will be after the service.  Burial will follow in Tecumseh Cemetery in Callahan County, Texas.