Shirley Ann Martin

Shirley Ann Martin age 85 of Nashua died Friday, December 26, 2025 at Unity Point Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo.

Friends may greet the family from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Monday, January 5, 2026 at Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory – Olson Chapel in Nashua.

Shirley’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren will be serving as honorary pallbearers.  A graveside service will be held at Greenwood Cemetery in Nashua at a later date.

Hugeback – Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory – Olson Chapel in Nashua has been entrusted with arrangements.

Born on October 24, 1940, to Andrew and Emma (Modderman) Hansen in the serene countryside of Bremer County, Iowa, Shirley enjoyed the simple things in life.

Shirley grew up in rural Iowa, attending grade school and high school in Nashua, where she would meet her husband, Cordell Martin. The high school sweethearts wed at the United Methodist Church in Nashua on October 5, 1958, embarking on a journey that would endure until Cordell’s passing. Shirley later completed her education by earning her GED in 1969, demonstrating her commitment to lifelong learning and personal growth.

Her professional life was marked by her role as a valued cook at the local elementary school and the popular Hide-A-Way. Shirley’s warm smile and kind words were a staple at Kwik Star, where she continued to work part-time until the remarkable age of 83, leaving a lasting impression on both colleagues and customers.

Shirley’s passions extended beyond her work life. She was an exceptional cook and baker. An avid bird watcher, she found joy in the simple beauty of nature, from the chirping of birds to the blooming of flowers. Shirley’s love for animals was evident to all who knew her, as she welcomed every creature that visited her yard with open arms.

Shirley’s home was a haven of comfort and love. She was always ready to welcome visitors with a warm meal and an even warmer heart. She loved her family and always cherished the moments her grandchildren and great-grandchildren came to visit.

Shirley is survived by her son Rodney (Teresa) Martin of Ashton, Ia; daughters Penny (Rick) Kruse of Cedar Falls, Ia and Shelly (Steve) Mourer of Sebring, FL; 8 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents Andrew and Emma (Modderman) Hansen; husband Cordell Martin; daughter Marie Griffin; brothers: Fred (Maxine) Hansen, Charlie (LaVona) Hansen, Roger Hansen; and sister Gladys (Craig) Creager.

(641) 435-4134