Martha Louise Teske

Martha Teske, known to family and friends as Martie, passed away on July 16, 2026, at the age of 81, as her daughter held her hand. In her final years, when her health became increasingly difficult to manage, Martie moved in with her daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Mike Aho, at their home in Onalaska. Martie was born on June 1, 1945, in Cardwell, Missouri, to Zelma Rachael (Joyner) Paxton and Jesse James Paxton. She was the sixth of seven children in a close-knit family that shaped her resilient spirit and lifelong love of family.

Growing up, Martie was a true tomboy who loved climbing trees, playing baseball and football and embracing every adventure she could find. At just 13 years old, she began her first job babysitting for a family with thirteen children, demonstrating the strong work ethic that would define her life.

Martie graduated from Belleville Township High School in Belleville, Illinois, where she proudly performed as a Bellette in the school's Drum and Bugle Corps. Shortly after graduation, she met and married Thomas Teske. Together they had three children, Michael Allen, James William- who was stillborn and Jennifer Rachael. The family eventually made their home in Everett, Washington. After their children were grown, Martie and Tom divorced.

Martie devoted many years of her career to Providence Hospital in Everett, Washington, working in Human Resources. In 1996, she accepted the position of Director of Human Resources at Providence Hospital in Seaside, Oregon and made the move there. She loved her work and was deeply passionate about helping others. The colleagues she worked alongside became much more than coworkers, they became family and she treasured those relationships throughout her life.

Later in life, Martie found lasting love and companionship with Mike Sherlock. Following her retirement, the two settled in Pe Ell, Washington, where they enjoyed life together living next door to Martie's beloved sister, Carol.

Martie embraced every stage of life with enthusiasm and a positive attitude. As a young woman, she loved camping, fishing and horseback riding with her daughter. She enjoyed clamming along the Oregon coast, playing spirited games of Farkle with family and friends and in her younger years, sharing her beautiful singing voice as a member of a country-western band. Whether spending time outdoors, making music or gathering with loved ones around the table, Martie found joy in life's simple pleasures. Above all else, Martie cherished her family. She was a loving partner, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend whose kindness, strength, sense of humor and generous heart touched everyone fortunate enough to know her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Zelma Rachael (Joyner) Paxton and Jesse James Paxton; her infant son, James William Teske; her siblings, Clyde Paxton, Bill Paxton, Charles Paxton, Jesse Paxton, and Carol Bowen; and her cousins, Richard and Patty Edwards.

Martie is survived by her partner, Mike Sherlock; children, Michael Teske and Jennifer Aho; sister, Theresa Paxton; grandchildren, Ashlyn Devers and Dylan and Dalton Brown; great-granddaughter, Evelyn Devers; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews who will forever treasure her memory.

Martie will be remembered for her love of family, compassion, strength and grace in the face of adversity, dedication to work, and the remarkable ability to make others feel welcome and cared for. Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy lives on in the family she loved so dearly and in the countless lives she touched along the way.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Mills & Mills Funeral Home.  A Celebration of Life will be held at Mills & Mills Funeral Home, 5725 Littlerock Rd SW, Tumwater, WA 98512, on August 8, 2026, at 12:00 pm. Reception to follow with refreshments.