Martha Grambau

Martha Grambau passed away on June 12, 2020. She was the daughter of Chester W. Riches and Nell (Field) Riches born June 28, 1919. George R. Grambau, her adoring husband of 69 years predeceased her in 2012. Martha learned to play the violin as a youngster and continued her love of music in a career as a vocal and instrumental music teacher. She first taught in the St. Louis, Michigan district during WWII and later in the Waverly School District in the Lansing, Michigan area. She was always positive and agreeable and never hesitated to learn new things. She embraced technology and used the computer to full advantage booking concert and theater tickets and creating her own Amazon Christmas list. Martha loved adventure; crossing the Atlantic on the Queen Mary, flying in a helicopter in Alaska, and driving a bright yellow mustang with a racing stripe. With her husband George, they became gourmet cooks and loved turning everyday events into celebrations with grand menus, wine, and candlelight. She believed in using the fine china and would say: "What's it for, if not for using?" When she turned 99 years she said: "It's been a wonderful life and 99 years sure went fast." When she turned 100 years old, she said: "That's old!" She is survived by sons, Geoffrey (Beverly) and Bruce (Ann) and grandchildren, Benjamin (Kelly), Nicholas, Katherine (Mark) Perkins, and Shelby. Her final resting place will be the memorial garden at Peoples' Church in East Lansing, Michigan. Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Southwest Michigan.