Martha Hartley Obituary

Martha Ann was the third child born to Lloyd and Mattie Alden. She grew up in Moses Lake, Pomeroy, Ocean Shores and other small towns in Washington as her family moved with her father's preaching commitments. She completed her registered nurse training in Kansas City, MO where she met and married Rodger Hartley and they returned to Tacoma, Washington in 1967.

She began working faithfully at Mary Bridge Children's Hospital caring for sick infants and children over the next several decades. She chose the nightshift, working as an emergency room charge nurse, so she could be at home for her own children during the day. After retiring from Mary Bridge, she returned to nursing at Tacoma Lutheran Home caring for the elderly this time, who adored their favorite caregiver.

Martha had a big green thumb and was an avid cyclist who enjoyed bicycle camping and looked forward to annual bike tours such as Daffodil Classic, Tour de Pierce and the Hilly Chilly. Martha had a very generous heart and donated to every charity that asked. Her devotion and sacrifices reached the lives of many, and she will be missed deeply.

She is survived by her big brother and best friend, Leon Alden, her beloved children Kelly Crothers and David Hartley; her three wonderful grandchildren, Jovita, Alexander and Tristan and her sweet great granddaughter Junibelle. She will be laid to rest at New Tacoma Cemetery.