Martha Ann Shay

Martha “Marti” Ann Shay, 85, Of Sherwood, Arkansas passed into the arms of the Lord, April 22, 2024.  Marti was born in Fayetteville, Arkansas on March 11, 1939, to the late Guy Hicks Couch and Pearl Marie Bolin Couch. She grew up and attended school there in Fayetteville.  She met and married Richard Shay in 1958 and they were married for 30 years. They had 3 children together and traveled extensively because of Richard serving in the United States Air Force.  They were stationed in Colorado, Japan, Thailand, Virginia, and finally moving to Cabot, AR in 1979 to stay.  

Marti touched so many lives with her positive and loving approach to life, family, and friends.   She was a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend.  She had a wonderful smile, infectious laugh, an incredible ear for listening and one heck of a good hug.  She always enjoyed going to or hosting parties, anything from Tupperware, Pampered Chef,  jewelry parties, baby showers, bridal showers, or bible study.   She was always incredibly proud of her children and grands.  We will miss her smile and laughter, but know she is at peace in the loving arms of our Lord.

 Marti is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Richard Paul Shay and her sister Sue Couch.  She is survived by her brothers, Philip Couch of Batesville, AR, Jim Couch of Sherwood, AR and Charles Couch of Fayetteville, AR; 3 children, Bobette Dianne Vechik (Dave) of Virginia, Gregory Lee Shay (Christina) of Texas, and Kimberly Lynn Partlow (Larry) of Kansas; 8 grandchildren, Justin Motl (Amanda) of Virginia, Joshua Motl of Virginia, Jonathan Motl of Iowa, Christian Shay & Audrey Shay of Texas, Russell Partlow, Jessica Partlow and Regan Partlow; 5 great grandchildren, Summer, DixieLynn, Jameson and Gwendolyn of Virginia, Lillith Motl of Iowa; 13 nieces and nephews; and a tremendous about of extended family, loving friends that she thought of as family and her church family.