Shirley Anne Martin, 68, of Bushnell, Illinois, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on Tuesday, December 30, 2025. She was born on February 20, 1957, in Avon, Illinois, to Charles and Lola (Singleton) Gillette. She married James R. Martin II on January 31, 1976, at the Bushnell United Methodist Church, and would have celebrated their 50th anniversary on January 31, 2026; he survives.
Also surviving are her mother, Lola Gillette; three daughters, Nichole (Tony) Donaldson of Bushnell, Heidi (Blake) Grafton of Bartonville, Illinois, and Rachel (Nathan) Hyde of Bushnell; nine grandchildren, Tyler and Abbey Donaldson, Fiona and Annabelle Grafton, Ethan and Emma Hyde, Ben Cleveland, and Brady and Alivia Martin; and three siblings, Marge Singleton of Bushnell, Bess (Greg) Riesselman of Lincoln, Illinois, and Andy Gillette of Bushnell.
She was preceded in death by her father, Charles Gillette; a son, James Martin; and brothers, Chuck and Bill Gillette.
Shirley devoted many years to caring for her home while raising her children and later worked in the bakery at Walmart. She enjoyed making Christmas wreaths, collecting teddy bears and bells, and bowling in the Bushnell league. In recent months, she found comfort watching the birds and squirrels outside her window. Shirley was often described as one of the strongest people others had ever known. She looked forward to girls’ weekend trips with her daughters, loved baking, and was known for a special family noodle recipe cherished by all. Above all, Shirley’s family came first. She took great pride in being a devoted mother and grandmother and treasured every moment spent with those she loved.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Martin-Hollis Funeral Home, with visitation from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. prior to the service. Rev. Bob Miller will officiate. Burial will be in Prairie City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bushnell VFW Post 1422 Auxiliary or to Linda’s Fund. Please sign the guestbook and leave condolences at www.martinhollisfh.com.
