Martha Loose Ellen

MARTHA ELLEN (LOOSE) Formerly of Ann Arbor, Michigan. This incredible woman, loving mother and grandmother, sister and companion, began her eternal journey peacefully Sunday, August 28, 2011 at the age of 74. She was preceded in death by her daughter Lynn (Knoedler) Alexander and her parents, William S. and Ellen (Pratt) Loose.

She is survived by her daughters Susan (Jeffrey) Swanson and Ru Knoedler, son Thomas (Amy) Knoedler, and son-in-law Robert Alexander; grandchildren Jessica (Michael), Kyle, Luna, Coleman, Chakata, Brandon and Jeff T. (Jessica); brother Larry ( Carol) Loose and sister Sally (Dave) Stribling and their families, as well as her companion, John Moran.

Martha earned her RN degree from Capital University, in Ohio. She shared her love of people, especially children, working as a public health nurse with the Jackson County Health Department before entering the nursing graduate program at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. After receiving her Masters of Science in Parent-Child Nursing in 1982, she worked for the University of Michigan Hospitals in a variety of capacities including Clinical Nurse Specialist IV at the Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Hospital, retiring in 1999. Infant and child mental health was her passion; she was a strong advocate for them, and strived to improve their lives. Her love for the outdoors led her on many adventures throughout the United States, and Canada. She traveled extensively over the past five years, living a wonderful RV lifestyle, and enjoying all this beautiful world has to offer. She imbued her family with an appreciation for hiking, waterfalls, camping, and especially geology.

At her wishes, cremation has taken place with a memorial service to be held at Muehlig Funeral Chapel, 403 South Fourth Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan on Friday, September 2, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. Family and friends may begine to gather at the chapel at 1:00 P.M. The family would like to thank Arbor Hospice and the staff at Brookdale Place for their wonderful compassion and care during mom’s illness. Contributions can be made to the Eddy Geology Center, the Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health, Arbor Hospice or a charity of your choice. “Life is not waiting for the storm to be over, but learning how to dance in the rain.” Arrangements under the direction of Muehlig Funeral Chapel, Ann Arbor, MI.