Martha (Marty) Ellen LaSalle, was born November 21, 1929 in Attica, Ohio to Russell and Blanch Williams.  Martha was the middle child between sisters Barb and Kate. As a young girl, she loved reading, fishing, and tending the garden with her father.  She had a love for dogs and pigs from time spent on the neighboring farms.   In grade school she had several run-ins with a boy named Frank, who later turned out to be her husband.   Martha attended Bowling Green University and graduated in 1951 with a degree in Education.   In 1952, she married Frank LaSalle, her husband of 58 years.  In 1955, Frank and Marty moved to California, enjoying Los Angeles at its peak with pools, parties, and vacations.  Marty taught public school for several years before becoming a full-time home-maker.  Marty and Frank’s first child Susan was followed by three more: Janet, John and Matt.   The couple lived in LA until 1971, when they moved to the Tri-Cities.  They lived in Richland for the remainder of their lives. Marty became active in Westside Church which remained her spiritual home.   Marty worked at the Richland Public Library and the Columbia Basin College library. Marty volunteered in preschools and regularly visited elderly at Richland Life Care Center and elderly shut-ins.  Marty had a sharp wit, a gift for listening with a focus on the individual, and with infinite patience, she’d provide unbroken attention to anyone.  With her grandchildren, she expanded their capacity for creative thought through games, make believe, crafts, and genuine attention.  Martha was eternally hopeful and had a joy that was evident even as Alzheimer’s was stealing her memory.   Marty battled Alzheimer’s for 15 years with the last five spent under the care of the unheralded saints at Guardian Angle Homes.  Martha passed on October 20, 2016.

Martha is preceded in death by her husband Frank and grandson John Luke LaSalle.  She is survived by her daughters Susan (John) Zimmerman of Seattle,   JD of Seattle, sons John (Sheila) of West Richland, and Matt (Tess) of Eugene, OR., and grandchildren Danielle Block (Johnathan), Lauren, and Marceline.

In Lieu of cards or flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s foundation.

 A memorial Service will be held Saturday, October 29 at 1:00 p.m.at Westside Church in Richland.