Martha May (Osterholt) Shirley

Martha May (Osterholt) Shirley, 91, of Floyds Knobs, Indiana, passed away quietly and peacefully to her Heavenly home on Monday, September 21, 2020, surrounded by her children at home. Growing up, she attended St. Louis Bertrand Parish and School and went on to attend Louisville Girls High. She married her husband, Jack, in June of 1951, and they were married 59 years upon his death.

She was a saintly and pious woman, always putting Jesus, Jack, and her family first. Her favorite saying was, "Keep on keepin' on with Jesus." Martha served the Lord with great humility and joy, mainly at home as a Christian homemaker and mother, but also at St. Mary of the Knobs and Mount St. Francis. She would visit the sick and lonely at nursing homes and always treated everyone with gentle hospitality and unconditional love.

She was born on February 25, 1929, in Bullitt County, Kentucky, on the family farm to the late George and Lula (Riel) Osterholt. Martha was also preceded in death by her husband, Raymond "Jack" Shirley; and all of her siblings, John, Louise, Florence, Amelia, Rita, George, and Alice.

Martha is survived by her children, Donna Sills (Rick), Michael Shirley, Karen Summers (Roger), Daniel Shirley, Kim Fitzgerald (Brian), Angela Thompson (Michael), and Barbara Reynolds (Joe); grandchildren, Kevin, Jeremy, Emma, Ethan, Lee Ann, Abigail, Natalie, Miles, Isabella, Jack, Rebecca, Will, Anna Kate, and Elizabeth; and nine great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 27, 2020, at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions (3309 Ballard Lane, New Albany). Her funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Monday at St. Mary of the Knobs Catholic Church (5719 St. Mary's Road, Floyds Knobs) with burial to follow in the church cemetery.

Contributions in Martha's memory may be made to the Province of Our Lady of Consolation (franciscansusa.org/donate) or to foodforthepoor.org.

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