Martha Ann Ayala

Martha (known as Marty or Granny to close friends and family) was born in Lansing, Michigan on June 11, 1947 to William R S Whitney and Lucille Shepard. She was the youngest of Lucille’s three children.

Marty attended Haslett High School and went on to study gerontology at Lansing Community College. Following her time at LCC she worked as an adult daytime coordinator at Lifespan in Dewitt Township. Later in life, she became a manager at World Mission Thrift in South Lansing.

In 1978 she married her sweetheart, Agustin Ayala. They combined their two families (including five children from previous marriages) and added two more children together.

Marty was preceded in death by her father; mother; brother, Clarence Cline; and son, Randall (Pope) Garcia.

Marty and Augstin have been long-standing members of the congregation at University Christian Church in East Lansing, MI.

Marty is survived by her husband, Agustin; sister, Mary Lou Kline (Dale); sister-in-luv, Mary Oberlin Cline; son, Steve Hoskin; daughter, Sarah Taber (Ryan); son, Elijah Ayala; three step children, Tricia, Teresha, and Augustine Jr.; ten grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.

Marty loved God, Jesus, her children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren “more than life itself”. Called a “second mom” by many. Granny had a beautiful soul and touched the lives of many people. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those who were close to her.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Marty on July 22, 2022 at University Christian Church 310 N Hagadorn Rd, East Lansing, MI 48823. The memorial service will begin at 11am. A catered reception at the church will immediately follow the service. Guests are welcome to bring desserts.

The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes Lansing Chapel. To leave a cherished memory or words of sympathy for the family please visit www.grlansing.com.