Shirley Martin July 31, 1926 – January 2, 2019 Shirley (Eschen) Martin, 92 passed away on Wednesday, January 2, 2019. She was born on July 31, 1926 on her grandparent’s farm near McIntosh, SD, the daughter of Glenn and Helen Eschen. Her Norwegian grandmother, who was a midwife, helped to bring her into this world.
Shirley attended country school in the area and met her husband, Vernon Martin at a basketball game. Their courtship began in 1942 and they were married on October 12, 1944. Vernon was away in the service for the first year and a half of their marriage.
The couple lived in McLaughlin, SD where they farmed, ranched and owned a propane business. In 1960, they moved to Aberdeen where they owned and operated Marty’s Upholstery and Decorative Service for 22 years. Born: July 31, 1926 Death: January 2, 2019 Shirley held a variety of jobs.
She worked for the Corson County Agricultural office as a grain loan clerk, ran the upholstery business with Vernon, worked in the accounting department at Mother Joseph Manor in Aberdeen, worked in banking and communication at the presentation Convent and eventually transferred to Sioux Falls and worked for Avera Health, completing 26 years with the Presentation Sisters. Shirley served as Republican Chairwoman for Corson County and the city of McLaughlin. She was a member of the Evangelical United Brethren and Women’s Society of World Services, the Legion Auxiliary, Royal Neighbors of America and the United Methodist Church where she held many offices.
Shirley was also a member of the SD Extension Club for sixty years. At the time of her death, she was a resident of Avera Prince of Peace and a member of Hilltop United Methodist Church. Shirley will be remembered for her love of flower and vegetable gardening, decorating, cooking, and entertaining.
She was always elegant and dressed to fit the occasion. She will be remembered most for her love of family and her many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Vernon, and her sister, Marilyn.
Shirley is survived by her daughters, Jacquelyn (Dave) Issendorf of Brandon, SD, Sharee (Bill) Heier of Sioux Falls; her grandchildren, Jason (Christine) Issendorf of Jacksonville, FL, Tiffany (Jason) Ljunggren of Tea, SD, Devyn (Jon) Mattheis of Sioux Falls and Molly (Chris) Huber of Menno, SD; her great grandchildren, Troy & Kiarra Ljunggren, Katie Issendorf, Kaeden Mattheis and Ryian & Sylis Huber; she is also survived by her brother, Veryl (Kaye) Eschen of Colorado and her sisters-in-law, Gladys (Hap) Link, Jeanette Bacon and Loretta Martin. Funeral services for Shirley will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 7, 2019 at Hilltop United Methodist Church. The family will be present one hour prior to the service to greet friends.
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