Mary Rachel Martin

Mary Rachel Martin, was born October 17, 1938, to Arnold and Gayle Lips in Temple, Texas. She passed away peacefully on November 13, 2025 in Snyder, Texas. A visitation will be held at Bell-Cypert-Seale Funeral Home in Snyder on Sunday, November 16th from 4:00-5:00 P.M. Services will be held on November 17th at 2:00 P.M. at 37th Street Church of Christ. Interment will be at Hillside Memorial Gardens.

Mary Rachel Martin, AKA Sweet Love, Mum, Mom, Mamaw and Memaw, grew up on a farm in Heidenheimer, Texas, where wide skies, open fields, and quiet country mornings helped shape the artist she would become. After graduating from Temple High School, she attended Abilene Christian College, where she met the love of her life, Bobby Martin; her steadfast companion in every season.

Bob and Rachel were married on March 27, 1959, celebrating 66 years of life and love together. Their story began at Abilene Christian College, where they met within the first few days on campus. The following weekend friends arranged a blind date for the two of them, only to discover, with relief and laughter, that Bob and Rachel already knew each other. From that point on, their lives continued to weave together.

They went their separate ways briefly after that school year and Bob returned to California. It was there that he realized just how much Rachel meant to him. Rachel kept thinking of Bob and her father said she would hear from him. She did! Bob sent a letter to Rachel and they returned to campus the next Fall. He realized he was ready to buy her an engagement ring.

Both were raised with the belief that marriage is a lifelong commitment, and they lived that philosophy with grace. Over the years, their love grew deeper and steadfast. They were the kind of couple who held hands and talked tenderly to one another. Their quiet devotion spoke louder than words. Their example of real, enduring love became a foundation not only for each other, but for their children and grandchildren, whose lives were shaped by the strength of their bond.

As a young girl, Rachel was most at home outdoors and was rarely seen without her faithful horse, Trigger. She also loved to hunt and fish. As an adult she relished in taking family trips to the mountains and lakes where she could sit in the back of the boat, rod in hand, painting memories in her mind long before they touched paper.

Rachel became a professional watercolor artist whose brush seemed to carry a bit of the West Texas wind with it. She painted barns, landscapes, and seascapes in soft, wandering colors, capturing breathtaking scenes with grace and warmth. She entered her pieces in art shows across West Texas, and always returned home with ribbons or prizes. She joined the Texas Women’s Watercolor Association, grateful for the chance to contribute and grow alongside fellow artists.

Her family meant everything to her. Rachel’s husband, two daughters and two sons by marriage, her three grandsons and two granddaughters by marriage, and three great-grandchildren were the true lights of her life. Nothing brought her more joy than a house full of her family’s voices, laughter in the kitchen, or long conversations at the table. Some of her most treasured memories were the trips she and Bob took with their grandsons, adventures she held close to her heart. She especially loved the way Ben would turn his hat sideways and make silly faces, waving at cars that passed by, sending everyone into gales of laughter. Daniel kept the whole family entertained with his quick wit and constant stream of jokes; and Logan, the performer, would effortlessly step into the roles of his favorite characters and superheroes.

When Lora and Sarah came into Ben’s and Logan’s lives, Rachel welcomed them with open arms and instant love. She had always hoped for granddaughters, and she embraced both of them wholeheartedly, forming deep and natural bonds that brought her so much joy.

Long before her great-grandchildren were born, she loved them with all her heart. When they arrived, she saw pieces of herself reflected in each one. Savannah inherited Rachel’s artistic eye and her tender love for horses. Noah shares her appreciation for the outdoors like fishing, hunting, and exploring with the same delight she once felt. Delilah, with her free-spirited laugh and bright giggles, carries Rachel’s joyful spark and her affection for animals as well.

Rachel painted beauty everywhere she went: on paper, in nature, and in the lives she touched. Her colors remain with us still.

Rachel is survived by her husband, Bob Martin; sister, Dianita Driver of Belton; daughter Melody Martin and spouse Lane of Hermleigh; daughter Jennifer Poe and spouse Johnny of Snyder; grandchildren, Benjamin Poe and spouse Lora of Snyder; Daniel Poe of Tyler; Logan Martin and spouse Sarah of Hermleigh; great grandchildren Savannah and Noah Poe of Snyder, and Delilah Martin of Hermleigh.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Arnold and Gayle Lips of Temple.