Martha J. Nelson

MESA – Martha “Marti” Nelson passed away on June 28, 2018 in Mesa, Arizona surrounded by her family. Marti was born in Zelienople, Pennsylvania on January 28th 1942 and was one of five children of Stephen and Ruth Runzo. Along with her family, she later moved to Mesa Arizona where she graduated from Superstition High School in 1960.

After briefly attending nursing school, Marti changed careers in 1974 and began working for the United States Geological Survey in both Virginia and California where she held multiple roles over her tenure. Her career was characterized by upward mobility, enthusiasm, a warm friendly “can do” attitude and dedication to customer service. Upon her retirement, she relocated to Florida, but ultimately returned to Mesa in 2005 where she maintained her residency until her passing.

Marti had a great love for her family and was very proud of her children and grandchildren. She also took pride in her many friendships she made over her lifetime. She was an avid bowler and enjoyed playing Scrabble and Words with Friends after making the successful transition to her mobile phone.

Marti is survived by her brother Mel, sister Ann, daughter Daina Schlegel (Herb), son Larry (Jen) and grandchildren Kenny, Brendan, Tyler and Kate. She was preceded in death by her brothers Dan and Steve.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for August 4th at Mariposa Gardens, 400 S. Power Road in Mesa, AZ at 9:00A. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Autism Speaks or Lucile Packard Foundation for Children’s Health in memory of Martha Nelson. By mail: Autism Speaks 1 East 33rd St. 4th floor NY NY 10016 or Lucile Packard Foundation for Children’s Health, 400 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94301. Online: https:// www.autismspeaks.org/ways-give or http://supportlpch.org/