Martha Churchill

Milan, MI

Age 75, passed away Friday, July 10, 2026, at Gaslight Village in Adrian. Martha Ann Churchill was born on June 3, 1951 in Lansing, Michigan, the daughter of Donald N. and Carol (McKindley) Churchill.  Her sisters and brothers were Cynthia of Westerville, Ohio; Bruce of Pflugerville, Texas; Carolyn of South Haven; Nathan of Milan; Jean of Milan; and Kathy Cannon of Louisville, Kentucky.

Martha graduated from Ann Arbor High School in 1969.  She graduated from the University of Michigan in 1973, majoring in Journalism and Anthropology, while living with her parents in Milan. 

Martha worked as a newspaper reporter, then earned her law degree from Cooley Law School in Lansing in 1979.  She was the first law review editor at Cooley Law School. Martha tried cases in Detroit in Wayne County Circuit Court and US District Court. In 1990, she practiced environmental law in downtown Chicago, then worked in a law office in Roswell, New Mexico.

Martha returned to Milan, Michigan in 1998. She set up a law office on Main Street and served 16 years on the Milan City Council.  Martha wrote several published books about Milan local history and numerous history essays for local papers. 

Martha was diagnosed with cancer in 2010.  Her friends urged her to keep her diagnosis a secret.  Instead, she threw a party at a barber shop on Main Street.  Her friends served cake to the crowd.  Martha arranged for entertainment related to fighting cancer, then got her hair buzzed off in front of everyone.  She was willing to go her own way.

In 2014, the Travel Channel put Milan history on national television, featuring Martha.  She explained that a Milan family stole money on Wall Street in New York, then built the Hack House in 1888 with their ill-gotten gains. 

Martha was adventurous.  She had visited the Soviet Union, Isreal, Turkey, China, England, Thailand and many other places.   At various times she was able to speak Russian or Hebrew. 

Martha met her husband, Steven W. Griewahn, in 2017.  The two were married the following year and they picked out a home together in Milan.  He preceded her in death December 3, 2024.  Martha was a lifetime advocate for her brother, Nathan, standing up for his right to live independently despite a disability.  He also preceded her in death September 11, 2024. 

A gathering will be held at Ochalek Funeral Home, Milan on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, from 5:00pm-7:00pm. for family and friends to share memories of Martha.  Private burial will be held at Marble Park Cemetery, Milan.  Contributions may be made to Temple Beth Emeth, 2309 Packard Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48104.