Shirley (Markley) Cushman

Shirley (Markley) Cushman, a lifelong resident of Baraboo, died peacefully in her sleep on Monday, November 12, 2012. She passed at the Mayo Franciscan Healthcare Hospital in La Crosse, WI after succumbing to complications of pneumonia.Shirley was born on August 14, 1922 in Fort Atkinson, WI to Hattie and Adam Markley. She attended school in Baraboo while working on the family farm. Shirley met the love of her life, Royce Cushman, in 1940 and married him on June 1, 1941.Shirley and Royce were blessed with, and survived by, three children, Sandy (James) Steinbrecher of New Lisbon, WI, John (Amy) Cushman of La Crescent, MN and David (Kristine) Cushman of Earlysville, VA. Shirley was the consummate parent; she loved her children unconditionally while still being able to lead by example. Shirley is also survived by one sister, Betty Jean Rohde of Ocala, FL.Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Royce; one brother, Virgil Markley; and two sisters, Madeleine (Tootie) Ward and Huetta (Blondie) Elkington.Shirley reveled in her love and adoration of her six granddaughters, Gretchen Gibbons (Boyd Hillestad) of Madison, Julie Gibbons of Sun Prarie, WI, Keri Freng of Holmen, WI, Cortney Cushman of Onalaska, WI, Allison (Chad) Hardy of Louisa, VA and Meghan (Greg) Kramer of Bethesda, MD. Six great- grandchildren also had the pleasure of loving and being loved by their "Grandma Shirley."Shirley began her working life at the Industrial Coils Company in Baraboo, WI, and as she always did wherever she worked, she made many good and lifelong friends. Shirley also worked at The Gift Shop and then later, took the managerial position at the Town Shoppe. Both stores were located in downtown Baraboo.In 1966 Shirley and Royce purchased the El Rancho Resort at Devil's Lake in Baraboo, WI. They later added the Ranch Hand Gift Shop and operated both until 1978.Shirley loved music, loved to dance and loved flowers. She was very active in the Garden Club and won numerous awards and ribbons for her flowers and presentations.Although Shirley will be dearly missed, the world is a better place for her time here on earth.Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 29th, 2012, with the funeral service immediately following at 11 a.m. at the Redlin Funeral Home, 401 Madison Ave., in Baraboo. Shirley's son-in-law, Dr. James Steinbrecher, will officiate. Inurnment will take place in the Walnut Hill Cemetery.