Shoemaker, Martha Avis - 1923-2012

SHOEMAKER

Posted By: Polk Volunteer
Date: 8/21/2024 at 15:16:38

Martha Avis Shoemaker, age 89, died peacefully at Wesley Acres on Sunday, July 29, 2012 after a long and wonderful life. She was born on March 14, 1923 in Burnips, Michigan, one of eight children.
Following her graduation from college, she taught high school Home Economics and English in Victor, Iowa and assisted the local girl's basketball team. On June 23, 1946, she married her husband, Wayne Shoemaker, a Methodist minister. Avis and Wayne served Methodist churches in East Dubuque, IL, Fayette, IA, Ida Grove, Hampton, Ft. Dodge, Des Moines Grace Methodist and Plymouth United Church of Christ.
Avis volunteered for many years at Iowa Public Television, in the WIC Program at Broadlawns Hospital and countless church bazaars through her years serving Methodist churches. She was a member of many P.E.O. chapters. In addition, Avis was a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan and celebrated her 80th birthday in the Cubs dugout at spring training with Billy Williams and her grandsons.
Prior to living at Wesley Acres, Avis and Wayne entertained friends, family and neighbors at their home in Beaverdale. Avis looked forward to the annual homemade ice cream social for the neighborhood children.
Avis is survived by her husband, Wayne, daughter Peg and her husband Jim, daughter Mary and her husband Dave, son Mark and son Paul and his wife Lori. She had one granddaughter, Aly and her husband, Nick, six grandsons, Jacce, Jeff, Keith, Ben, Nick and Sam and one great grandson, Beau. In addition, she is also survived by her twin brother, Art, as well as brothers, Ivan and Calvin.
The family would like to thank Dr. Richard Deming and his staff as well as the nurses at Wesley Acres Care Center and Wesley Life Hospice for the wonderful care they provided to Avis.
A Celebration of Life service will be held in October at Immanuel United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be given to The Wesley Acres Good Samaritan Fund, 3524 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50312 or a charity of the donor's choice.
Published in Des Moines (IA) Register; Sunday, October 7, 2012, page 9B