In memoriam: Martha Lentz was nurse, professor

FFRF Life Member Martha “Marty” Lentz, 74, died Sept. 25, 2019, following a short battle with cancer. She and her husband Jon Noll were major contributors to the Freethought Hall expansion project. Jon has donated $5,000 to FFRF in Marty’s memory.

Marty was born in Onondaga, Mich. She earned a degree in nursing from Henry Ford Hospital and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Wayne State University.

She moved to Seattle in 1970. After practicing as a clinical nurse for several years, she returned to school and earned her master’s degree and Ph.D. from the University of Washington. She then joined the University of Washington School of Nursing faculty, retiring in 2008 as full professor. She was widely published, with sleep as the focus of her research career. After retirement, she remained active in academia as a consultant and as an instructor to nursing students and faculty around the country.

In 1971, Marty took a class in mountain climbing and met her future husband, Jon Noll. They spent nearly five decades together climbing mountains, running marathons, skiing, kayaking and biking. Marty was a member of Seattle Mountain Rescue Council, and one of the principal authors of Mountaineering First Aid.

The Western Institute of Nursing (WIN) said this about Marty: “The awards WIN bestowed upon Marty are a testament to her many contributions. She provided a voice of logic, vision and wisdom in all deliberations. She was committed to advancing nursing science, the Western Institute of Nursing, and the members thereof. Marty generously shared her vast knowledge of nursing research, with WIN members and students and in the deliberations of WIN committees. She had a keen sense of humor and her laugh will be greatly missed. Marty will be remembered fondly as the clever and humorous emcee of WIN’s annual RIFF-RAFF celebration and for her veracious advice on writing abstracts, ‘Read the instructions, believe the instructions, follow the instructions.’ An incredible, generous and inspiring leader, mentor, researcher and friend, Marty will be missed profoundly by all who had the honor of knowing and working with her.”

Marty is survived by her husband Jon, sister Rebecca Noble, brothers Rod and Riley Lentz, and nieces and nephews.

“Our heartfelt condolences go out to Jon,” says FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor.