Shirley M. Martinson

Shirley Marie (Marty) Martinson, age 98, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 12, 2021, at the home of her daughter, Joy, with the loving support of all of her children every step of the way. Up to her final day, one could not leave her room without a reminder to call when we were safely home (and time after time, chuckling when Joy would respond, “I live here, Mom"). Keep in mind we are all in our 60s and 70s. Mom was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. Grandma Shirley was born on July 31, 1923, to John and Perdella Marty in Riley. She grew up in Klevenville with three sisters and four brothers all of whom are waiting at the Pearly Gates to welcome her. She married Gaylord Martinson, February 18, 1944. Together they farmed the Martinson homestead (Gem View) for 38 years and raised five absolutely adorable children. Jerry was her "Golden Boy." Judy, Jo, Joy, and Jan ... eh, not so much ... they always had to compete amongst themselves for second place. In 2007, after 63 years of marriage and working hard his entire life, Dad said "Uff Da. Been here long enough.” He then checked out leaving Mom to get into trouble all by herself. Mom's hands were always busy, be it with macrame, sewing, quilting, ceramics - many, many pieces fill our homes and yards. How lucky we are! She truly enjoyed her riding lawnmower, stopping for no one and nothing. She was a lifetime euchre player, and in recent months took great pleasure in consistently beating her twin daughters. She loved making her scrumptious chocolate chip cookies, putting in a secret ingredient making it impossible for any of us to equal (believe me, we have all tried!). We think that ingredient was love. She always kept her candy dish full for the grandkids (they'll have to fight over who gets that ... we're staying out of it). She treasured her Malone Mother's Club, Card Club and Bowling League friends. She also participated in the Mt. Horeb ELC Altar Guild and Ladies' Aid. She volunteered for Meals-on-Wheels, often delivering to folks as much as 10 years younger than herself. She also proudly volunteered for the American Red Cross Blood Drive as well as donating blood herself. Those left behind and missing her terribly are her children: Judy (Irv) Steinhauer, Jo (Chuck) Sholdt, Jerry (Karen) Martinson, Joy Martinson, and Jan (Kirk) Feller; seven precious grandchildren whom she loved so much: Debra (Rick) Rumpf, Todd (Laci) Steinhauer, Cabel Sholdt, Kalee (Ryan) Werth, Stacy (Nathan) Fetherston, Carly Schneider, and Marty (Matt) Derenne; six delightful great-grandchildren: Lola Rumpf, Addison Werth, Hudson Werth, Austin Fetherston, Lucas Derenne, and Violet Derenne; sister-in-law Martha Martinson and many, many nieces and nephews, all of whom she held dearly in her heart. Envisioning Mom and Dad together again gives us pause to smile, as well as her reunion with brothers, Harold Marty, Baby Boy Marty, Bill Marty, Bob Marty and John Marty Jr.; and sisters, LaVon Wenger, Wanda Kahl and Ruth Cleveland. A funeral service will be held at Mount Horeb Evangelical Lutheran Church, 315 E. Main St., Mount Horeb, at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 8, 2021, with the Rev. John Twiton presiding. Friends and family who wish to view the service via LIVE STREAM may visit Shirley’s obituary page at www.gundersonfh.com and click on the Live Webcast link at the time of service. Burial will be held at Mount Horeb Union Cemetery. Visitation will be held at Gunderson Camacho Mount Horeb Funeral and Cremation Care, 500 N. Eighth St., Mount Horeb, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021, and also at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday. We send heartfelt thanks to the staff at Inglewood, an extraordinary crew of home-caregivers (Lisa, Bev, Flo, Pat & Abbi) and the Agrace HospiceCare team for their love and support of our mom. The children of Shirley would like to say a heartfelt thank you to their amazing sister, Joy, for opening her home to mom and all of them so it was possible for everyone to be together. Memorials may be made to the Mt. Horeb Area Historical Society, the Mt. Horeb Veterans Memorial Association and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Mt. Horeb. Okay, Mom, it’s our turn to say “Call when you get home. Are you inside? Is everything ok?” Bye Bye. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com . Gunderson Camacho Mount Horeb Funeral & Cremation Care 500 N. Eighth St. (608) 437-5077