Major Shirley Ann "Marti" Edwards

Major Shirley Ann “Marti” Edwards, 75, of Poynette, WI, passed away peacefully at the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans' Hospital on 12/07/2021.  Marti was a decorated veteran who served in Operation Desert Storm and Operation Enduring Freedom; she spent two decades serving in the United States Army Reserve. 
Marti was born on 10/25/1946 in Charleston, SC to parents Eddie L. Martin and Edna L. Ackerman (Sadler).

Marti graduated from Lodi High School in 1964 and shortly thereafter, began building a family with her ex-husband, Raymond J. Edwards.  At some point, she decided to pursue a career in the healthcare field.  It all started in 1977 when she enrolled in the Licensed Practical Nurse program at Madison Area Technical College (M.A.T.C.), which she successfully completed in 1978.  She worked as an LPN at Arbor View Health Care Center for almost a decade before deciding to further her education. 

In December 1988, she graduated, again, from M.A.T.C. with her Associate Degree in Nursing and on April 5, 1989, she was officially granted her license to practice as a Registered Nurse by the Board of Nursing of Wisconsin.  For many years, in her civilian life, she worked in multiple roles at St. Mary’s Care Center (formally Arbor View); one of her favorite roles was that as the Assistant Director of Nursing.  Marti worked with drive, determination, and dedication.  Most of her civilian career was working in long-term care facilities; a place where she gave the utmost attention and compassion to her residents.  There is not enough that can be said about the kindness and care she gave the elderly population.

Her story does not end there….In September 1989, with some input from, and discussion with, her daughters, Marti decided to challenge herself a little bit more and join the United States Army where she became part of the Army Nurse Corps.   She served in several different units including the 44th General Hospital, the 4221st US Army Hospital, the 114th Combat Support Hospital, serving as a Med/Surg Nurse in all three.  She finished her distinguished career with the 452nd Combat Support Hospital as an ICU Clinical Nurse.  She received multiple decorations, service medals and badges which include the National Defense Service medal, Army Service ribbon, Oversees Service ribbon, Army Achievement medal (3), Army Commendation medal (3), Armed Forces Reserve Ribbon w/m Device and a Commanders award, just to name a few.

If that wasn’t enough, in the early stages of her military career, she decided to advance her education yet again, and enrolled in the Bachelor of Nursing program at Marion College of Fond du Lac.  Stretching herself thin by working full-time, taking college courses, and proudly serving her country, she graduated her BSN program, with honors, on May 10, 1997.

Marti was not all work and no play.  She was an avid pool shooter and was instrumental in helping to form what continues to be the Lake Wisconsin Women’s Pool League.  Within the last year, she took up knitting to pass her time.

After retirement, her desire to help others led her to join the Badger City Chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse.  “Major” was a dedicated supporter for five years before health issues forced her step to away from the organization.

Marti is survived by her three daughters and their families.

  • Cyndi (Robin) Keller, Poynette – their children and grandchildren include:

    • Kimberlee and her son Shane

    • Jamie (Tyler) and baby Niesen (he will make his appearance soon)

    • Christofer (Amber) and their children Aria and Harper

    • Jacob

  • Lori (Robert) Edwards-Thomas, Georgia

  • Sheri (Rick Vandre) Edwards, Poynette - her children and grandchildren include:

    • Tristan (Amber) and their children Ciara and Camiryn

    • Matthew (Elizabeth) and their children Sadie and Caiden

She is also survived by her sisters, Barbara Davidson (Ashley) Ridgeville, Arlene Martin of Cottageville, Linda Martin of Ridgeville, Brenda Martin (Tony) of Ridgeville (all reside in South Carolina) and her brother Dean Martin (Tina) who resides in Texas; other survivors include many loved nieces and nephews.  Last, but certainly not least, Marti leaves behind her trusted and most loyal companion, her dog, Koda Bear.

Marti was preceded in death by her parents, her stepfather, Sheridan “Tex” Sadler, her ex-husband, Raymond, two brothers, Jimmy and Eddie, two sisters, Terri Ann and Shirlean, as well as several aunts and uncles.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the VA Hospital ICU Critical Care team, the Palliative Care team and all medical staff who took such wonderful care of our mother/grandmother.  Though the family appreciates the dedication and care given by everyone, there are a few individuals we would like to mention by name: Dr. Wood, Dr. Hildebrandt, Chaplain Gatewood, and several nurses who cared for her while in the ICU: Corey, Elizabeth, and Mike...you were all amazing.  The biggest thank you is extended to Dr. Bridges because without him, many things would not have been possible!!

There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, December 18th at the Clyde Sheppard American Legion Post 271 (131 West Washington Street, Poynette) from noon to 4:00pm with an Honor Guard ceremony to begin at 1:30pm.

Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Some refreshments will be made available during this celebration of Marti’s life.

To everything there is a season,
and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate;
A time of war, and a time of peace.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8