Martha Jean Grimwood, age 87, of Shelby, died Wednesday morning, March 12, 2025 at Crestline Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.
Martha was born July 31, 1937 in Shelby to the late Ray Jefferson and Esther (Briner) Laser. A lifelong Shelby resident, Martha graduated from Shelby High School in the Class of 1955 and maintained lifelong friendships with classmates. These friends stayed incredibly active attending numerous activities, dinners, and reunions. On July 25, 1959 she married Walter I. Grimwood and together they celebrated nearly 43 years of marriage before his passing on December 27, 2001.
Throughout her life Martha had been employed at Shelby Mutual Insurance Company, Sandy and Andy Children’s Clothing in downtown Shelby, and finally in Pioneer Career and Technology Center’s Early Childhood Education Center in baby care. Martha lived an active, full, and social life. She was a lifelong active member of First United Church of Christ in Shelby where she served as an Elder and was on church council for many years. Additionally, she was a longstanding member of TOPS.
Beyond social activities with family and friends, Martha’s hobbies were extensive. If it was a craft you could do with your hands, she did it- sewing, needlepointing, knitting, and crocheting. If it could be canned, she canned it- especially if it was from her garden. She also enjoyed caring for birds at her home on Grimwood Drive, which she loved. Above all, Martha loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. She looked forward to attending every and any activity they participated in.
Martha is survived by her children: Deb (Randy) Fidler of Shiloh, Mike (Deb) Grimwood of Shelby, and Terri (Roger) Niese of Shelby; grandchildren: Owen (Katlyn) Niese, Kelsey (Josh) Dotson, Adison Niese (Graham Lescallette), Olivia Fidler, and Kimberly (Paul) Sheaffer; great-grandchildren: Eli and Avery Dotson, Grayson Niese, and Daniel High; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, Martha was preceded in death by siblings: William (Sandy) Laser, Marjorie (Jacque) Donnenwirth, and Alice Reinke.
Family and friends are welcome on Friday, March 14, 2025 from 5-7 PM at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 1030 AM. Pastor James Robinson will officiate the services with burial following in Oakland Cemetery, Shelby. Memorial contributions may be made to First United Church of Christ, 23 Church Street, Shelby, OH 44875.
Condolences may be made on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
Funeral Home: Penwell Funeral Home
Website: PenwellFuneralHome.com