Vyrl Jean (Shelby) Martin was born on May 20, 1933 in Albany, Missouri, the daughter of Thomas L. and Thelma Mae (Barnes) Shelby. Jean passed away on May 18, 2010 at The Ambassador Care Center in Sidney following a brief illness.

Jean's early years were spent along side her twin brother Myrl. Following the death of their mother, when the children were small, Jean and Myrl were loving raised by their fraternal grandmother. They resided in Albany where they graduated from high school. Following graduation Jean moved to California.

Jean worked for TWA as a supervisor for 18 years, until the company filed for bankruptcy. She later worked for Hughes Aircraft and several other odd jobs until her retirement.

Jean was an active member of the Ladies of the Moose Lodge in California. She loved to help out at special events. Gardening and planting flowers brought her much happiness. Jean had a great love for her family. She loved being a mother, grandmother, and was a devoted sister. She sacrificed a great deal for her children, but has know gained her eternal reward in heaven.

She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents. Those left to cherish her memory include her twin brother Myrl Shelby of Sidney, IA; children Don Carroll and wife Joy of Lakewood, CA, Linda Krogen and husband Brian of Lawndale, CA and Kenneth Martin of Fort Dodge, IA; grandchildren Mathew, Ryan, Jennifer, Kelly, Michelle and Lisa; great-grandchildren Delane, Matt, Keyan, Mekayla, Emily, Melany, Kingston, Staley, Kiernan and Avari; other family and friends.