Martha J. Shellabarger

Martha Jane Shellabarger, 89, of Mendon, passed away September 3, 2024, at the Divine Nursing and Rehabilitation Center at Shane Hill, Memory Care Unit, in Rockford. 

She was born on October 31, 1934, in Rockford, to the late Charles and Alma (Yahn) Berry. 

She married Wayne E. Shellabarger on November 7, 1953, who preceded her in death in June, 2016.

Surviving are her children, daughters: Deborah (Phil) DuChamp, Rockwall, TX, and Diane (Steve) Snyder, Mendon, and her son, Don (Lori) Shellabarger, Mendon, 22 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

Her oldest son, David (2015) and her youngest son, Duane (2022), preceded her in death, along with her brothers: Charles Jr., Ned, and Bill Berry, and an infant brother. 

Martha had the most giving and caring heart.  She loved her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, with all her heart.  Martha was the hardest working farm wife, the best Mama to her children, held multiple jobs outside the farm to help ends meet, and to help fulfill our Father’s dream of being a Dairy Farmer.  She was the glue to making it happen.

A 1953 graduate of Rockford High School, Martha worked many “fresh pack” Fall tomato seasons (2nd shift) at the Rockford Canning Co.  In later years, when her children were grown, she worked full-time at the same canning company that was then called Fremont Canning Co., retiring in 1999.  She also was the custodian at the Mendon First Church of God for many years.

The family would like to give an extra shout-out and sincerest THANK YOU to the most caring and heart-giving crew, in the Memory Care Unit.  They loved on our Mama for almost two years.  Only with special caring hearts like theirs, can they do the job that needs done every day.  We appreciate you so much.

Friends may call on Monday, September 9th, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm for Visitation, and Services will start at 2:00 pm, at the Mendon First Church of God in Mendon, with Pastor Jake Boroff, officiating.

Burial will follow at the Mendon Cemetery, with her grandsons serving as Pallbearers: Brandon Ralston, Derik Snyder, Dan Shellabarger, Steven Martin, Seth Owens, and Grant Laffin.

Preferred Memorials are to EverHeart Hospice, Greenville or Mendon First Church of God.

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