Martha "Jane" Ralston, 95, passed away Saturday, September 23, 2017. She was born on New Albany Indiana to George Robert Ralston and Margaret Brown. Jane led an adventurous and full life. She graduated from Presentation Academy in 1940 then went on to Nazareth College where she graduated with a degree in Biology and Chemistry in 1944 on D-Day. Jane then obtained her pilots license in 1945; eventually receiving the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award in 2009. She was the first female pilot instructor in the state of Kentucky. She was a long time member of the Aero Club of Louisville and the Ninety-Nines. Jane was a chemist for Colgate and Seagrams and retired from the Federal Government as a computer programmer in 1983. Martha also found time to become an avid snow skier until she was 79 years old.
Jane is preceded in death by her Parents, George Robert and Margaret Ralston; brothers, Joseph, John E. and David Ralston; sister, Rose Mary Samuels. She is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, friends and her beloved dog Lucky.
A funeral mass will be held Thursday, September 28th, at 9:30 a.m., at St. Louis Bertrand Catholic Church, 1104 S 6th St, Louisville, KY 40203. Burial will follow at St. Michaels Cemetery. Visitation will be at Highlands Funeral Home, 3331 Taylorsville Rd, on Wednesday, September 27th from 2-7pm.