Martha Jane Schirg, a loving wife, mother and doting grandmother, passed away peacefully early in the morning on November 9, 2023, in Huntsville, Alabama, after a brief but intense battle with cancer.
Born in Jacksonville, Florida, on October 19, 1938, to Emily Corene Jordan and John Harley Bethea, she graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in Jacksonville and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in teaching from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. While in college, she worked at Florida National Bank during her summers. Martha taught elementary school for 32 years, largely at Frontier Central District in Hamburg, New York, where she lived for 35 years. She married Robert A. Schirg on July 18, 1978, in Mesa, Arizona. In 1998, Martha and Bob moved to Amelia Island, Florida, which they called home for 25 years. Martha and Bob enjoyed cruising together and traveling around the country to visiting their family and friends.
During her life she was a member of Eastern Star, participating as a square dancer and clogger. She also performed most recently with the Sweet Art Squares and the Timesteppers tap dancing group. She volunteered with AARP and belonged to Fernandina Beach YMCA. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints in Orchard Park, New York, and Fernandina Beach, Florida.
She is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, Robert A. Schirg; sister, Marion Dame (Jan); brother, John Daryl Bethea (Maryann); sister-in-law, Ellen; children, Shana Hyde (Doug), Tammy Wesolek (Conrad), Janie Strawn (David), Rita Vasey (Jim), Susan Damron (David), and Robert Schirg (Terrie); grandchildren, Katelyn Balli (Tyler), Maryssa Quinn (Chase), Aryanna Hyde, Blaine Hyde, Reilly Wesolek, Rhett Wesolek, Collin Bosley (Gloria), Kalee Bosley, Peter Vasey (Chelsea), Mark Vasey (Erin), Christie Story (Michael), Vickie Dobbins (Ray), Josh Cook, Carissa Moore (Jason), Corinn Cook, and Ariel Casio (Anthony); and 17 great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her brother, Archie D. Bethea and grandson, William Vasey.
A Memorial to honor Martha is planned for Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 11:00 am, located at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 2800 S 14th St. Fernandina Beach, Florida. All who would like to honor and remember her are invited to attend.
In lieu of flowers please donate to Hospice of North Alabama or Community Hospice in Fernandina Beach.
