Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
Shirley Louise Martin Wagenblast died on September 3, 2015 at her home in The Dalles, Ore. Shirley was born in The Dalles on May 23, 1926. She was the oldest child of Otis Delmar Martin and Shirley Isabel Babcock of the Dalles. Delmar Martin owned and operated the “Model Laundry” and “Sparkle Cleaners” on Washington and Second St. until a fire burned the building in the early 1950s.
Shirley attended Colonel Wright Elementary School, The Dalles Junior High School, and The Dalles High School. She was a twirler in the boosters girls in high school and worked as a bookkeeper for the laundry in high school.
Shirley met Robert Harold Wagenblast in high school. They married on May 12, 1946 after he was discharged from the Army Air Corps. They had two children, Phillip Gary Wagenblast and Robin Lynne Smith. They were married 69 years.
Shirley had two brothers, Donald Martin and Stephen Martin, both preceeded her in death as did her husband Robert.
Shirley was active in the PTA, room mothers for her children, scout leader and active in her church; St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. She was her husband’s secretary, and secretary at the church, then she owned and operated The Dalles Marble and Granite for forty-five years when she retired in 2003 in favor of her daughter Robin Smith and her husband Carl.
Shirley spent her retirement playing bridge, doing crafts, traveling, fishing, and working with the Pioneer’s Association. Shirley was Pioneer Woman of the Year in 2012.
She is survived by her son Phillip Wagenblast and wife Nancy of New Jersey, her daughter Robin Smith and Carl (deceased) of The Dalles, Ore., and grandchildren Brett and Merle Smith, Casino, New South Australia Wales, Christina Harmon, Houston, Texas, Melinda Smith, Honolulu, Hawaii, and Tameka Smith Portland, Ore.
The family would like to thank the help of Hearts of Gold Caregivers, Heart of Hospice, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and many friends. Donations can be made to Shiners Children’s Hospital, and St. Jude’s or Wasco County Pioneers.
Services will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on Wednesday September 9, 2015 at 11 am. Interment at the IOOF 18th St. Cemetery in The Dalles following the service. A light lunch to be served at the church after the interment.
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