Shirley Marie Martin

Shirley Marie (Kepner) Martin, age 94, of Boiling Springs, passed away on Sunday, August 24, 2025. She was born on July 9, 1931, in Harrisburg to the late Harry Grant Kepner and Kathryn Elizabeth (Swope) Kepner. Shirley was the beloved wife of Wilmer “Butch” Leon Martin, whom she married on July 10, 1957, and who preceded her in death on November 10, 2018. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her three siblings: Richard Kepner, Sherwood “Dutch” Kepner, and Evelyn Kepner.

Shirley will be remembered as a warm, caring woman whose greatest joy came from her family. She was especially devoted to her son and grandchildren, and she remained a constant presence in their lives. From rocking them as newborns, to driving them to school through their teenage years, to cheering them on at every sporting event, Shirley never missed a chance to be there. She lovingly clipped and saved every mention of their names in the local newspaper, proud of even the smallest accomplishment. She treasured outings to the library, where the grandchildren always checked out the maximum number of books (which she read to them all), trips to the lake to feed the ducks and try their luck fishing, and playful moments like sword fighting in the living room. Whatever her grandchildren imagined, Shirley was ready to join in — she even adopted a dog because they begged her to, and once bought frogs that required being fed live crickets, despite her strong dislike of bugs.

Outside of family, Shirley enjoyed football — especially watching Tom Brady — and relaxing with Hallmark movies. She had a sweet tooth and was never without her favorite treat, peanut butter cups. Her life was filled with love, small joys, and the bonds of family, which she valued above all else.

Shirley is survived by her son, Joel Martin and his wife Billie Jo of Boiling Springs; her three grandchildren, Taylar Jensen and husband Cody of Parrish, FL, Hailey Martin of Carlisle, and Trey Martin of Shippensburg; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Her family will be honoring her life privately.

Shirley’s care has been entrusted to Buhrig Funeral & Cremation in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421. To read her full obituary, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle, and sign her guest book, please visit Buhrig.com.

Her love, laughter, and gentle spirit will be carried in our hearts forever.