Shirley Y. Waldera

Shirley Y. Waldera, 83, of Martinez, Georgia, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2026. She was born on August 15, 1942, in Erie, Pennsylvania, to Robert E. Adams and Bertha V. Reynolds.

Shirley proudly served her country in the United States Army Medical Corps as a Radiology Technician, dedicating herself to caring for others. On July 4, 1966, she married Robert G. (Bob) Waldera, beginning a lifelong partnership centered around family, hard work, and shared interests.

Following her military service, Shirley assisted with the family business B & S Engraving, along with several other business ventures in the Augusta area.

Shirley was deeply involved in her community, serving as a Columbia County Citizen Law Officer, working with the Board of Elections, and serving on the Grand Jury.

Shirley and her husband shared a deep love of horses and in 1986 established Butler Creek Stables, a horse farm where they spent many years riding and caring for their horses. Her love for horses was truly her passion.

She enjoyed many hobbies including sewing, cooking, genealogy research, square dancing, clogging, and horseback riding. Shirley was proud of her heritage and was a member of the Mayflower Society and the Augusta Genealogical Society. She also welcomed several exchange students into her home, many of whom became like extended family.

A devoted woman of faith, Shirley was a member of St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church in Grovetown since 1974.

She is survived by her husband, Robert G. (Bob) Waldera; her son, Rob S. Waldera; and her daughter-in-law, Thomasina Waldera; her brother, Glenn Reynolds; and her sisters, Bessie L. Reynolds and Joanne (Sue) Reynolds. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren Sabina, Kayliegh, Romie, Rob, Hunter, and Mary, and her treasured great-grandchildren Forrest, Patrick, Luke, and Lacey.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert E. Adams and Bertha V. Reynolds; her son, Roman S. Waldera; her brothers Richard E. Adams, Robert J. Adams, Harold Adams, and Harry M. Reynolds; and her sister Beverly J. Adams Hogland.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church in Grovetown on Friday, March 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.