MARTHA MOSS

MARTHA MOSS

Cedar Rapids

Martha Jane Moss, 84, of Cedar Rapids, died Dec. 10, 2014, in an Arizona hospital after an extended illness. A celebration of life was held at her son Steve's home in Anthem, Ariz., and a private gathering is planned for

her Cedar Rapids-area family.

Survivors include her sons, Jim (Sue) Moss of Cedar Rapids, Mike (Cindy) Moss of Marion, Steve (Connie) Moss of Anthem, Ariz., and Chris Moss of Cedar Rapids; her grandchildren, Jacob and Ashley of Cedar Rapids, Ben and Katie of Marion, Jazzney, Savannah, Sierra, Hannah and Hailey of Anthem, Chanelle, Andrea and Alicia of Cedar Rapids and Coti of Atlanta, Ga.; along with a number of great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Rusty; and her daughter, Leslee (Moss) Lucas.

Martha was born April 10, 1930, in Winterset, Iowa, the daughter of Arthur Fletcher Lorton and Ruth Marie Eckard. After graduating from high school, she went on to nursing school and graduated in 1952 from Iowa Methodist Hospital School of Nursing. She was united in marriage that same year to Royal Russell "Rusty" Moss.

Martha went back to school in the 1970s to learn how to work with the handicapped and then worked for Options of Linn County, where her daughter, Leslee, worked and where the disabled (including son, Chris, with Down syndrome) were able to work. Because of Chris, Martha was involved first with Options and later with The Arc of East Central Iowa for many years.

Martha loved her family, camping, fishing, reading, cooking, playing cards, tracing her heritage, and was an avid Hawkeye and John Wayne fan.

Memorials may be given in Martha's name to The Arc of East Central Iowa (680 Second St. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401).