Martha Ruth Bordelon

Martha Ruth Bordelon, 73, of San Antonio, Texas, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on July 18, 2025.

Born on October 30, 1951, in Independence, Louisiana, Martha was the beloved daughter of Doffers Henry “Doc” James and Lillian Carroll. She was the youngest of four children, growing up alongside her three older brothers—Travis, Shelby, and Harold—and her dear sister Tereva, in a home rich with music, faith, and resilience.

Martha was raised in the Pentecostal church by her mother, where her love for music blossomed. She learned to sing, play the piano, and master the accordion—often filling the sanctuary with her powerful voice and joyful praise.

She fondly recalled her childhood friendships with Charles Ray and Lloyd Wayne Blunt—two boys who, like her, were raised in the church and later became pastors who continue their ministry in Louisiana to this day.

Throughout her life, Martha was known for her wide range of talents and her unwavering work ethic. In New Orleans, she broke barriers working at Avondale Shipyard, where she became one of the few women at the time to master MIG, TIG, and Hilarch welding, among others.

But while she thrived in many trades and roles, the work that brought her the deepest joy was caregiving. Alongside her husband, Kirby, she lovingly cared for both the young and the elderly for more than 25 years. She embraced every person she cared for as family—offering not only her service, but her heart.

In her younger years, Martha traveled and sang with a gospel quartet—a chapter in her life she deeply cherished. Her home was always filled with music and warmth: her voice, her piano, her accordion, and the joy of song echoing through every room.

She also had a deep love for crocheting. Her handmade blankets and creations were gifts of comfort and care—woven with love and made to last for generations.

Above all, Martha was a woman of faith, generosity, and compassion. She lived with determined strength and open-hearted kindness, touching countless lives in ways both big and small.

Her life faced many struggles and hardships, but she always strove to keep her family and loved ones together. Even through her stage four diagnosis, she lived with grace and strength—her faith unshaken to the end. She was closely cared for by her family, most notably by her daughter and son-in-law, Andrea and Jeffrey Bridges.

Her love and faith will continue to speak in the lives of the many she touched.

Martha is survived by her five children: Johnny, Andrea, Michael, Bobby, and Dwanna.

And by her grandchildren: Lillian, Trinity, Madison, Jeremiah, Ethan, Spencer, Morgan, Devin, Dillan, Diana, Rachel, Will, and Silas.

A Christian service and viewing will be held Saturday at 12:00 p.m. at LUX Funeral Home Chapel, New Braunfels, Texas.

Martha’s legacy of kindness, creativity, and steadfast faith lives on in those who knew and loved her. Her life was a testimony to the God she served and the love she so freely gave.