Shirley Martin

Shirley Martin

October 25, 1934 – January 4, 2026

Shirley Mae Martin, 91, passed away on January 4, 2026. She was born on October 25, 1934 in Elgin, Illinois to Walter and Luella Schultz. She spent most of her life in South Elgin where she was rooted in faith, family, and service.

Shirley was a hardworking woman with unwavering strength. Over the years, she worked at the Elgin Watch Factory, Borden’s Testing Lab, volunteered with the South Elgin Fire Department Auxiliary, and later helped keep the books at Martin’s Auto Service. She took pride in her work and gave her best in everything she did.

She loved staying busy and working with her hands. Shirley enjoyed bird watching, gardening, cooking, crafting, and caring for her home. Her faith and church family were very important to her, and she especially loved time spent with her family and friends.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, James Martin; her son, David Martin; her step-son, Jack Martin; her son-in-law, Bernhard Haerter; her grandchild, Jesse Erin Martin; and her great-grandchildren, Haley Freeman and Kirsten Freeman.

She is survived by her children, Cathy Haerter and Denise (Edward) Jones; and daughters-in-law, Deb Martin and Melissa Martin. She also leaves behind fourteen grandchildren: Louis (Angela) Freeman, Kurt (Rana) Freeman, Stefanie (Scott) Belrichard, Tegan (Quenton) Schultz, Kyle (Jess) Martin, Amanda Martin, Megan Krepps, James (Vicki) Martin, Rachel Martin, Joshua Martin, Christina (Ben) Levander, Jacob Martin, Jonathan Martin, and Elizabeth Martin.

Shirley was proud of her nine great-grandchildren: Alex Freeman (Joe Barbour), Maggie Freeman, Carter Martin, Audrey Martin, Wesley Belrichard, David Richardson, Adeline Krepps, Eleanor Levander, and Raelynn Martin, as well as two great-great-grandsons, Bryson Barbour and Mason Barbour.

Shirley will be remembered for her strong character, sense of humor, caring heart, and the love she had for her family. Her memory lives on through the many generations she leaves behind.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at King of Glory Lutheran Church, 36W720 Hopps Road, Elgin, Illinois. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., with the service beginning at 11:00 a.m. Interment at Lakewood Memorial Park will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to King of Glory Lutheran Church.