Shaw, Elizabeth (Beth) Jessie (Martin); Beth was born on April 23, 1920 in West Luther Township and spent her childhood years there with her parents and siblings. She passed away peacefully at Caressant Care, Arthur, Ontario on September 2, 2008 in her 89th year. Beth is survived by her son David and his wife Lynda. The following grandchildren and great grandchildren also survive: Paul and Kim (Lylie and Owen), Chris and Crystal (Devlin), Adam and Kristel, Lindsay and Dennis and Kara. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law: Violet Martin, Doris Martin, Margaret Mossey, Agnes Givens and Gail Shaw and brothers-in-law: John Mitchell and Leo Givens. She was predeceased by her husband Stewart, an infant son Donald and sisters, Marjorie Adair and Edith Mitchell. Her brothers Jeff, Alex and John (WWII) also predeceased her along with brothers-in-law Bill Shaw, Alex Shaw and David Shaw and her parents John and Jessie Martin. Visitation was held at Crawford Funeral Home in Arthur. Rev. Gordon Walls, assisted by Rev. Stephen Berryman, Rev. Kevin Bothwell and Rev. Stephanie Pellow officiated at the funeral service which was held in Grace Anglican Church in Arthur. Pall bearers were grandsons, Paul, Chris and Adam and nephews Robert and Dan Mitchell and Doug Shaw. Flower bearers were Lindsay, Kara, Lylie and Owen Shaw and Laura Hayston and Kristel Perry. The burial took place at Greenfield Cemetery, Arthur and following this a time of fellowship was enjoyed at the Seniors Hall in Arthur where the Women of Grace served a delicious lunch. The eulogy was delivered by David Shaw. It was a moving tribute to his mother’s faith and life. The service music included Kara Shaw playing the song she wrote for Grandma, called A Song for Grandma and Lindsay Shaw singing the song she wrote for Grandma, called My Goodbye. Lindsay sang Amazing Grace, accompanied by her brother Adam on the guitar. Derek Moore was organist for the hymns and the Eucharist. Beth, after attending Arthur Public and High Schools, attended the Stratford Normal School and then embarked on a teaching career which spanned over 30 years and saw her teach in Minto Township, Fergus, West Garafraxa and West Luther Townships; her last school being in her home town of Arthur. Beth married her husband Stewart on September 21, 1946 and lived with her husband on the farm until 1983 when they moved into Arthur. Among her community involvements were her church, where she held many offices over the years and attended worship on a regular basis. Beth was also involved with the Horticultural Society, the Cancer Society, the Bible Society and the Retired Teachers Association. Beth was honoured by her church when she was given the Order of Niagara. Beth was an avid gardener and cook and will always be remembered for the fabulous gladioli that she grew, her clover leaf rolls and Christmas carrot pudding. Beth was a lady who gave more than she received and will not only be missed by her family but by the entire Arthur community.
