Martha Cristy-Couch

Martha Cristy-Couch, long time Hastings area resident, died of natural causes on October 4, 2024 in Battle Creek MI.

Martha was born on October 27, 1938, in Topeka Kansas, the first of four children of James Crapo Cristy Jr. and Barbara Sutherland Cristy. Martha was raised in Kalamazoo and Hickory Corners, MI. Martha graduated Gull Lake Kellogg high school in 1956 and attended Mills College in Berkeley, CA where she obtained her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.

Martha was married twice in life, to Frank McCarthy Jr., and Roger Couch. She was widowed in 2001. Martha lost her daughter Barbara Hart in 2021 and is survived by her two sons, Aaron McCarthy of Dexter, MI, and Samuel McCarthy of Espanola, NM. Martha is also survived by 4 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

Martha was a capable and prodigious artist in various media; music, pottery, photography, jewelry, painting, lettering, weaving. Martha was a piano tuner who joined the profession's guild association and ultimately achieved the level of Master Piano Technician. She began piano tuning with Joe Mix of Hastings and later studied under Hong Yat-Lam of Kalamazoo. She maintained many private, church, and school system pianos via Martha Cristy-Couch Piano Tuning Inc.

In 1972, Martha purchased the Zenus Colvin farm on Andrus Rd., Hastings, MI. where she resided until 2016. The existing farmhouse was lost in a fire in 1978 and Martha built a modest passive solar home on the property.

Martha was a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend to many. She had many pets throughout her life, and she especially loved her English Shepherds.

During the final two years of her life, Martha enjoyed independent and assisted living at Northpointe Woods in Battle Creek, MI. She received hospice care there surrounded by friends and family.