Martha Elizabeth Lang

Martha Elizabeth Lang was born on April 5, 1912, in Nevada, Iowa, to Glenn and Eva Shelton. She had one sister and 4 brothers. Her parents didn't have much money since Glenn made his living selling Christian books and Bibles as he traveled on foot and street cars around the cities where they lived smiling and greeting everyone he met and telling them about the love of Jesus. He was truly an evangelist. He was converted to Christianity before Martha was born and he and Eva dedicated their lives and their six children to God. Martha grew up learning how to work hard and to protect herself from her mischievous four brothers. She developed a strong sense of what was right, and during her whole life she never hesitated to speak up and defend the people and causes that she knew were right. She kept that same spirit until the very end. She was always thinking of others and caring for those who were down on their luck. She gave generously to so many people in need and to numerous worthy charities, schools and church programs. She loved helping others and made that her life work. Martha married Herbert Haven Lang, a loving, caring man, and they were married for over 60 years. She was heartbroken when Herb died in 1996. They had 3 daughters: Marthann Demchuk, Linda Gassoumis, and Joni Goodnight. There are 11 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren in the family. Martha lived a full and productive life. Her life work, caring for the elderly, has truly been an amazing ministry. She owned and operated skilled nursing facilities for over 65 years. She practiced as a nurse and she was the oldest practicing Licensed Nursing Home Administrator in California. She has been honored by many organizations for her excellent service in her field. She was awarded the Life Member award by the California Association of Health Facilities in 2009. She served for years in various posts on the CAHF Board and has been chairwoman of several CAHF committees. In 1978 she was named LA County Administrator of the Year. In 1984, Gov. George Deukmejian appointed her to the Board of Nursing Home Administrators. Later, she participated in writing the exam for the Nursing Home Administrator Program. When she was asked: What is the secret of your long and successful life, she quickly answered by saying: It is because of my belief and trust in God. He has blessed me in my business and in my family. It is because of His blessings and provision that I am still alive and have a successful business. Her motto for her business, Marlinda Nursing Homes, has always been We Care. She was an active member of the Whittier Seventh-day Adventist Church and also supported other churches and mission organizations. Some friends who have known her for over 50 years said: We feel blessed that we knew your mother and are sad that we no longer have this unusually gifted woman with us. She was the epitome of a gracious matriarch. We can be grateful for the hope that is ours and for the assurance that your mother was a woman of faith. Her legacy is that she loved and trusted God, loved and cared for people, loved her family, and she gave life her all. Her life could be summed up by this quote from Mother Teresa: Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, and kindness in your smile. Martha was truly a loving and kind woman. She also was the life of the party and loved holding parties and gatherings for everyone. Her generous spirit, love of life, and love of others defined who she was the amazing and vibrant Martha Lang. A viewing is scheduled on Friday, July 2 between the hours of 2 pm and 8 pm at Douglass & Zook Mortuary, 600 E. Foothill Blvd., Monrovia, CA 91016. A private burial will be held on Saturday, July 3 at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier. A celebration of Martha Lang's life is scheduled on July 25, 2010 at 2:30 pm at the Whittier SDA Church, 8841 Calmada Ave., Whittier, CA 90605.