Shirley Louise Martin

Shirley Louise Martin, 76, of Marion, OH was called home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on May 19, 2025. Shirley passed peacefully into the loving arms of her Savior and was surrounded by her family and close friends.

Shirley was born on March 10, 1949, in Marion and was the 13th of 14 children born to the late Arthur Henry Harbolt, Sr. and Ethel Dorcus (Davidson). In addition to her parents, she was preceded by brothers, Arthur Jr., George, Robert, Frank, Richard and Larry Joe, as well as sisters, Anna Wannamaker, Ruth Murphy, Ethel Jordan, Donna Tyler, Mary Lou Cook and Lennie Morrison. Shirley has one surviving brother, David (Louise) Harbolt of North Bend, Oregon and leaves a very special sister and brother-in-law Karen and Larry Sims of Nashville, Tennessee.

Shirley is survived by her husband of 32 years, Steven E. Martin (Pete) and three children; Julie Andrea (Cliff) Branstetter of Marion, Johnna Lynn (Kevin) Byrnes of Norfolk, Virgina, and Robyn Renee Reichert (Kata) of Mesa, Arizona. Shirley is the grandmother to Allanna (Jeremy) Higgins of Virginia, Alec (Keirstin) Branstetter of Marion, Sarah Branstetter of Marion, Megan Branstetter, of Marion, Bailey Branstetter of Columbus, Seth (Sierra) Byrnes of Suffolk, Virginia, Dakota Cook of Mesa Arizona. Shirley is also the great-grandmother to Evelyn Rose, Beau Miles, and newly born Blaire Louise Branstetter of Marion, and Gracelynn Meadows Higgins of Virginia.

Shirley graduated from Marion Harding High School in 1967 and was involved with the planning of her class reunions in recent years. After graduating from high school, she attended with the University of Toledo and was actively involved with the Auxiliary volunteer support group for the Toledo Hospital and Ronald McDonald House. She also attended classes at the Ohio State University of Marion. For the last 32 years, Shirley and her husband, Pete have operated the American Tradition Properties in Marion.

Shirley was a very beautiful individual inside and out. She wanted to participate in life, and she did. She rarely knew a stranger and gave her time and efforts to anyone in need. Shirley was always available as a caretaker to the family she so loved.

Shirley loved gardening and animals. She maintained a beautifully landscaped yard and had a “feeding tree” in her back yard, providing sanctuary for domestic and exotic wildlife “friends” that seemed to come and visit from all over Ohio. Her favorite animal friends were “Max” and “Molly” (two German/Australian Shepard mix rescue dogs) and “Scarlet Dreamer” (a Tennessee Walker), all of which she basically raised, groomed and taught to be very well behaved, fun-loving best friends.

Above and beyond all, Shirley had a beautiful personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Her faith in Him flourished in her later years in all areas of her life with a commitment to surrendering her life to His Will. She often said, “We make our plans and God will direct our steps,” “Shine and Share for Christ."

Funeral services for Shirley L. Martin will be on Tuesday, May 27 at the Dayspring Wesleyan Church at 2431 Marion-Mt Gilead Rd, Marion, Ohio. Pastor Josh Hause of the New City Fellowship Church will officiate with a message on Salvation as requested by Shirley Martin.

Calling hours will be from 1:00 to 2:00 pm., with the funeral service following at 2:00 pm. Immediately following the service, there will be a procession to the Marion Cemetery for the graveside burial service.

Memorial Contributions may be made to:

The Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital in Columbus

Ohio Samaritan’s Purse Memorial Giving https://www.samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/memorial-giving/

Copper Horse Crusade, Massillon, Ohio, or the Re-Ride Quarter Horse Adoption in Marysville, Ohio

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