Shirley Maxine Martin was born July 14, 1930 to Edwin and Martha (Duling) Day in Kensington, Kansas. Shirley was the youngest of eight children, spending her early life around the Smith Center, Kansas area.

Shirley was a true child of the depression era. Losing her beloved father at age eight and being raised by a widowed mother in the midst of poverty, she knew hardships firsthand. Shirley later quit high school to work and assist her mother with owning and operating a boarding house in Smith Center.

On September 18, 1950 she married Raymond Martin, which began their lifetime partnership in farming and operating a dairy and Angus cattle operation outside of Palmyra.

In later years Shirley and Ray owned the Sprague Tavern. Shirley also worked at Woolco, sold Fuller Brush products, and worked part time at Ameritas. However, many people came to know Shirley when she was a cashier at the Shopko store at 27th and Hwy 2.

Shirley's work ethic, coupled with her speed of getting things done, is legendary. When Shirley would be mowing the farmyard, the school bus would drive by and all of the students were in awe that a riding lawn mower could actually go that fast.

Shirley's anthem of "waste not, want not" was not just a slogan, but was symbolized by her bond with her deep freeze. Shirley froze everything; and oftentimes it stayed there a long time. The grandchildren were often alarmed if offered any of the frozen "treasures" that may have resided in Grandma's deep freeze.


Shirley enjoyed crossword puzzles, reading the newspaper, and keeping in contact with friends and family.

However, everything she enjoyed paled in comparison to her love for her family. The loss of her son Randy on May 4, 1977 was a sorrow that continued until her death.

However, her surviving family brought her much joy. The love she felt for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren would light up a room. Shirley's pride and love for her two daughters was always evident. Very near and dear to her heart were her two son-in-laws. They would do anything for her and she would do anything for them. It was indeed a very special relationship. Shirley's grown grandchildren were a huge source of pride to her. She so adored each and every one of them. She also truly loved the spouses of her grandchildren. The six great-grandchildren were indeed a true delight to Shirley. Just their sheer appearance in the doorway made her smile widen and her eyes sparkle.

Left to celebrate Shirley's life and feel her love forever is her daughters and son-in-laws: Rheeta and Randy Baker and Dean and Rhonda DeButts
Grandchildren: Jason and Nicole Calkins, Marshall Hergenrader, Cameron Hergenrader, Dan and Brittany Robotham, Mike and Laura Martin, Helen DeButts, Shelby DeButts and Veronica Rodriquez, Great-Grandchildren: Lilliana and Reese Calkins, Layne Haller-Hergenrader, Parker Robotham, Jacob and Hannah Martin
Sister: Fran Dillon of Yorba Linda, CA, Beloved Sister in Law – Adeline Day of Osborn, Special Family Members – Steve and Glenda Ostrander, Aaron, Katy and Jill, Numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Preceding Shirley in death were husband Raymond, son Randy and infant son Ricky Dean. Siblings: Leola Dallman, Cleo Dixon, Dale Day, Bill Lingo, Evelyn Gibson, Edna West.

Funeral Services will be Saturday January 28, 2012 at the Fusselman-Allen-Harvey Funeral Chapel in Syracuse, NE at 10:30 A.M. Burial will be at Rosewood Cemetery in Palmyra.
Visitation will be Friday January 27 from 9 A.M. until 5 P.M. at the funeral home.
The family suggests memorials to the family's choice.

Fusselman-Allen-Harvey Funeral Home in Syracuse is in charge of the arrangments.