Martha G. Shay

June 30, 1918 - February 12, 2017

Martha G. Shay Obituary (Age 98) Martha Grace Shay passed away on February 12, 2017 in Spokane, WA. She was born on June 30, 1918 on a homesteaded farm fifteen miles from Colville, WA to Earl and Mary Chester. She started school in a one room schoolhouse at age 5 because Mama didnt want her older sister walking two miles to school alone. After completing 8th grade, the kids took a test required by the state to receive a diploma. After passing the test, Marthas parents rented a room in Colville so the girls could attend Junior High. Martha graduated from High School in 1935. She went on to earn a scholarship to Northwest Business College in Spokane for bookkeeping. She worked for four years at a bank in Colville then moved on to Spokane where she worked for seven years. On a blind date, she met Harold Shay; she liked him because he was a good dancer. He joined the Navy in 1941 when WWII broke out. The two became pen pals and eventually married in 1943. They had four children three boys and a girl. After the war, Harold became a salesman for Ford Motor Co. and after 34 years, he retired and they enjoyed traveling, which included five trips to Hawaii. She was happy to spend her last years at Northpointe. She attended church at Country Homes Christian Church. Martha is survived by her sons, Tim (Jeri) Shay, Pat (Tina) Shay and John (Barbara) Shay; her brother, Lee Chester; six grandchildren; and 13 great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her daughter, Susan Cunningham and her husband, Harold. A graveside service will be held on Friday, February 17th at 2:30pm at Fairmount Memorial Park, 5200 W. Wellesley Ave. A memorial service for Martha will be held on Saturday, February 18th at 11am at Country Homes Christian Church, 8415 N. Wall St. � To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Martha, please visit our Tree Store. Read more Events FEB 12