Martha Ann Matlock Rinks of Savannah, TN, wife of the late Oscar “Pete” Rinks, mother to their two children, and grandmother of two, passed away on Wednesday, October 25, 2017, peacefully at her home surrounded by her family at the age of 71.
On September 24, 1946, she was the ninth of ten children born to the late Reeder Columbus and Floy Lee Jones Matlock. Her siblings who have passed are Lovie Matlock Dedrick, R.C. Matlock, E.G. Matlock, J.D. Matlock, Lou Jane Matlock Essary, Carl Joe Matlock, and Oma Jean Matlock Ratliff. Her surviving siblings are Jerry Wayne Matlock of Selmer, TN, and Charles Ray Matlock of Milledgeville, TN.
Martha attended high school in Morris Chapel but graduated from Central High School in 1965 after Morris Chapel High School closed. She was a stand-out basketball player and earned the nickname “Shorty.” She was often called “a little ball of fire” on the court.
On July 20, 1965, she was united in marriage to Oscar “Pete” Rinks. They were married for 47 years and 11 months until he preceded her in death on June 1, 2013.
During her life, she worked at Brown Shoe, Hardwood, US Apparel, and River Heights Manufacturing. She was also a member of Morris Chapel Baptist Church in Morris Chapel, TN.
She loved being a mother and grandmother. She was a kind, selfless, and caring friend to all who knew her and was so special to everyone. The world was made a better place by her life and loving spirit, and this attitude and way of being is a legacy that will continue to live on through everyone she came into contact with.
She is survived by her son, Tony Rinks, of Savannah, TN, and daughter, Theresa McCormick (Lynn), of Savannah, TN, and two grandchildren, Lyndsay Smotherman (John), of Savannah, TN, and Colton McCormick (Carolyn), of Florence, AL.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the Hardin County Cancer Association.