In Memory of Martha Akin Engelbert (In the style of Mark Twain)

Ladies and gentlemen, gather ’round as we bid farewell to the remarkable soul that was Martha Akin Engelbert, who graced this Earth from August 15, 1923, until she embarked on her next great adventure on October 11, 2023.

Martha was born in Fort Collins, Colorado, at the foot of her beloved Rocky Mountains. With a heart as deep as the Colorado River itself, she was a woman who knew no bounds in her quest to understand this ever-curious world. She had a passion for books, diving headfirst into the murky waters of politics, spirituality, and the enigmatic connection between the mind and consciousness. Her intellectual pursuits were nothing short of awe-inspiring.

Martha also found enlightenment in her spiritual pursuits. She roamed the winding labyrinths of Europe, lost in thought amidst the ancient wonders. Not one to keep the wonders to herself, she even conjured a concert of Tibetan bells on her very own back lawn, enchanting all who had the privilege to hear.

A stalwart presence in her church, Martha served on the worship committee for many a year, a pillar of her community in matters both sacred and mundane. She stood as a steward of our dear Earth, tending to a community garden, advocating for the sanctity of recycling, and cherishing the delicate honey bees, whose hum held the secrets of

nature’s harmony. Plants and orchids thrived in her presence, a testament to her connection with the natural world.

To keep her wit as sharp as a straight razor, Martha took to crossword puzzles, tackled intricate essays, and even worked on jigsaw puzzles with her left hand. Her generosity and kindness were as vast as the mighty Colorado, as she opened her home to family, friends, and those wandering souls in search of alternative paths.

With a heart as expansive as the Grand Canyon, Martha dedicated herself to the cause of young women’s education, a proud, long-time member of the P.E.O. philanthropic organization. She hosted Healing Touch practitioners and her own hands possessed a healing touch, as inexplicable as the magic of the Rocky Mountain moonlight. She sought alternatives to conventional medicine, embracing holistic remedies and integrated practices. She refused to be bound by prescribed medications choosing her own path to health.

Adventure beckoned, and Martha answered its call. With her beloved husband and partner in crime, Ernest, she traversed the globe, hiking the majestic Swiss Alps, riding elephants in the heart of India, and rafting down the roaring Colorado River. In her youth, she boldly took to the skies, mastering the art of piloting small aircraft and even landing her plane on the ice in front of the University of Wisconsin, proving that the sky was no limit to her boundless spirit.

As she departed this world, Martha did so with grace and peace, surrounded by her loving children. She was more than just a person; she was an inspiration, a role model, a mentor, and a dear friend to all who crossed her path. Mark Twain himself would have found a kindred spirit in Martha, and we are all richer for having known her. Rest in peace, dear Martha, and may your journey on the other side be as wondrous as the adventures you lived here on this side of the Rockies.