Obituary: Vivian Ruth Martin

Submitted by Hughes-Taylor Funeral Home

Vivian Ruth Martin, 89, of Salem, passed away on Friday, April 4, 2025, at Ascension St Vincent Hospital.

On a county road south of Campbellsburg on July 17, 1935, Vivian Ruth was born to Glenn & Beatrice (Chastain) Hypes.

Sometime later, the family, including Grandpa (Orra) Chastain, who lived with them, moved into Campbellsburg & Vivian attended school in the red brick schoolhouse just up the street from Dr. Tower’s office. Her sister Mary and her brother Morris also attended school there. Vivian graduated in 1953 and started working at the Morris 5 & 10 cent store in Salem. It was there that she met the love of her life, Richard.

Richard & Vivian were married on April 18, 1954 at the home of her parents. Her brother, Morris, sister, Mary, and her family were in attendance, along with Richard’s parents, John & Grace, and his brothers, Billy Joe and J.D. After the ceremony, they left immediately for Illinois, where Richard had employment. When they returned to Salem, they lived in a 28’ trailer, which was parked on the land where Richard’s grandparents lived, for about 2 years. With the help of his dad and other family, Richard built the home that Vivian continued to live in until her passing.

Vivian worked for LaGene’s Jewelry with over 30 years of service. She also spent time working for Florence’s Flowers, Gene Moss Insurance, Salem Middle School cafeteria, and she also sold Avon.

Vivian was a member of the Lost River Primitive Baptist Church, but attended New Hope UMC when there wasn’t a service at Lost River. She was also a member of the Salem Order of the Eastern Star. She enjoyed playing Euchre, working in her garden and canning, watching the Roadrunner cartoons, and was well known for her homemade yeast bread.

She was a good wife, a loving mother, and a friend to all.

Vivian is survived by her 3 sons: Scotty Ray Martin (Linda), Jeffrey Dean Martin (Sharon), and Douglas Carl Martin (Kathy); her brother, Morris Glenn Hypes; 5 grandsons: Chad, Adam, Johnathan, Ben and Luke; and 5 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Richard; her parents, Glenn and Beatrice; her sister, Mary; 2 nephews and a niece.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 11 a.m. at New Hope United Methodist Church, with private burial to follow at Mount Zion Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 8, from 4 p.m. unitl 8 p.m. at Hughes-Taylor Funeral Home – Salem Chapel, and on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at New Hope UMC.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lost River Primitive Baptist Church, give someone a hug and tell them you love them.

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