Martha Jean Grimwood
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.
The Grimwood family would like to thank the staff at Crestline Rehabilitation and Nursing Center and Pathways Hospice for the care they provided to Martha.
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).
To view Martha’s tribute video click here: Martha’s tribute video.
So sorry to hear this. Our condolences to the whole Family. May God wrap his arms around you all thru this difficult time. Prayers for comfort.
Deb,Randy,Olivia,
So sorry for your loss, sending healing thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
I am so sorry for your loss, my heart goes out to you and your family. Keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Loved my Aunt Jean so very much. She loved me and my siblings Mark and Karen so. She protected us when her sister, our mom, Ben, was incapable of taking care of us. Will love her always and sorely regret her passing. She and Uncle Walt saved our lives. Will miss you forever.
So sorry for your loss…. Take comfort in knowing that she’s is in Gods loving arms….
Mike and Judy Caporini
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. Prayers for peace and comfort. Hold onto all those precious memories
Mike,
So sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers. Mary Lee
To Mike and your family. My sincere condolences. I enjoyed knowing your parents.
They gave so much to their family, work, and life.
Thoughts and prayers to you all.
We are so sorry for your loss… what a talented, beautiful, Faith-filled soul, whom God is now welcoming to our Eternal Home… May Jesus comfort you all & wrap His arms around you in love & peace. Keep up her talents & abilities,& keep her memory alive!
Love, Diane (Miller) Metzger, Tom & Nate♥️
Loved your momma and all her life experiences she shared with me… so sorry for your loss❤️
I found a friend in Martha when I was new to tops. We sat beside each other every Wednesday for many years. In that time we shared laughter and tears. She taught me so many things over those years. I always admired her determination. I was blessed to know her. I am sorry for your loss. ✝️
We are so sad about Martha’s passing. We have known the Grimwood Family for our entire lives. Ron’s parents graduated in 1955 with Walt and Martha, and their ’55 Club was fun group of friends. I became close friends with Terri in 5th Grade, Ron and Deb were not only classmates, but also friends. Mike was friends with my brother, Joel.
Our lives have been intertwined since before we born. Our friendship and fond memories surround the all of you in days ahead .
Ron and Susan (Hogue) Keiser
My sincere sympathy to all of Martha’s family. I grew up with Walt and loved playing with his fabulous train sets. Later enjoyed working with Walt, Mike and Martha at Pioneer. May God give you comfort and strength.
I miss Martha so much!!! I’m so thankful to of been able to take care of her she was very special to me. May she rest in piece and in the arms of the sweet Lord she got to go to her heavenly home. No more crying Martha your pain is gone!!! Love you. Love to Deb and Terri and the rest of the family.
Sweet Martha. You will be dearly missed sweet lady. May you shed no more tears as you are reunited with your mother and father among other family that have gone before. You were a ray of light. My heart goes out to her family. I know I was only a housekeeper but I always looked forward to seeing Martha every time I worked. And I loved getting her to smile.