Martha Ludden Hatleberg

Beloved mother, grandmother and friend, Martha Hatleberg of Bethesda, MD, died peacefully in her sleep at home on January 11, 2016. Born the eldest daughter of Raymond and Marion Ludden in Lacrosse, WI, she grew up in Viroqua, WI. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a B.S. in Medical Technology in 1949. While in college, she met and married the love of her life, James (Jim) Larrabee Hatleberg. They moved to the Washington, DC area in 1956. Jim died on September 11, 2001 after raising five children and fulfilling a successful career. Martha kept his memory and her love for him alive by writing her book The James Larrabee Hatleberg Legacy. Martha readily shared her enthusiasm for life and her many interests with all. Her greatest joy, however, came from her family who she nurtured and treasured. She was always gracious and generous. Family and friends share memories of laughter and delicious meals served at her table. She offered an open and loving home for many of her grandchildren as they transitioned into independence. She listened without judgment and loved unconditionally. She was the matriarch of a large, ever expanding family, cherished and respected by all and will be deeply missed. Besides her interests in traveling, gardening, and cooking, Martha had a lifelong interest in geology, gems and minerals. She became a docent with the Mineral Science Department at the Smithsonian Institution, serving as the Docent Chairman in 1980-1981. As the archival photographer for the Mineral Science Department she spent many years documenting the Smithsonian''s extensive collection. Martha is survived by her five children, their spouses, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her eldest son is Steven (Lois) Hatleberg with grandson Brian (Lisa Lineweaver) and great-granddaughters, Holly and Hazel; granddaughter, Jenny (Ernesto Martinez) and great-granddaughter Lina; and granddaughter Kristin (Jim Smith). Andrew (Patti) Hatleberg''s family includes grandson Curran, granddaughter Lindsay (Joseph Petty) and grandson William. Eric (Linda) Hatleberg''s family includes granddaughters, Ellen, Laurie (Landis Sloat) and grandson Jim. The youngest son is John (Rise Dimson). Daughter Amy''s family (Bill Freeman) includes Alan, Em and Katy. Martha''s sister Ruth Ludden Bates, died in 2003. Jim''s sister Mary Anne McHugh passed in 2011. Martha is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends who remember her dearly. The funeral service and burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery in several months. Arrangements are being made by Joseph Gawler''s Sons Funeral Home. More information is available at: www.josephgawlers.com." target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.josephgawlers.com. Condolences may be made to the family at the Gawler''s website. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mineral Sciences Department at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum, P.O. Box 37012, MRC 135, Washington, DC 20013-7012 c/o Loretta Cooper.The funeral service and burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery in several months. Arrangements are being made by Joseph Gawler''s Sons Funeral Home. More information is available at: www.josephgawlers.com. Condolences may be made to the family at the Gawler''s website. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mineral Sciences Department at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum, P.O. Box 37012, MRC 135, Washington, DC 20013-7012 c/o Loretta Cooper.