Shirley M Cornwell

Shirley Maxine (AuKamp, Martin) Cornwell, 88 of Prosser passed away peacefully at her home on September 9th of 2023 . Shirley was born in Yakima, Washington on April 25th of 1935 to Mr. Harry & Grace AuKamp. She was raised alongside brothers James, and Harry AuKamp. She spent many hours riding horses in the mountains with her Uncle Johnnie Mosley. All her immediate family members preceded her in death. She had a passion for roller-skating in her teen and early adult years spending many hours at the Skateland in Yakima, WA. She graduated high school in Union Gap in 1950. At the of 16 on May 8th 1951 in Port Angeles, WA she married Ray Martin. His military service would station them in Fort Sill Oklahoma, and then to Port Angeles WA. She would go on to birth three children, daughter Shirleen in 1955, son Cary Martin in 1958, and Jimmy R. Martin in 1963. She suffered a tremendous loss, with the death of her daughter Shirleen to cancer in 1966. She divorced and relocated to Prosser, purchasing property out in Whistran and began her early career at Prosser Pack. Later, known to locals as Twin City Foods, where she lost a finger in a machine. It was there she met mechanic, James (Jim) Cornwell and the two married in 1975, blending their families together. They traveled frequently for outdoor adventures including hunting, fishing, and recreational boating with friends and family. Their travels took them international when they traveled to Africa, New Zealand, and Australia in the 1990’s. Several European countries, and vast portions of the United States. She went to work at Hanford taking her retirement in 1996. She made many close friends through her work, and kept in contact long after. She was an active grandmother attending school sports games, supporting 4H projects, hosting birthday parties, and always going above and beyond for a family holiday gathering. She was particularly proud of her grandchildren’s many accomplishments and endeavors in the world. She knitted each one a personal blanket. Becoming, a great grandmother brought her much joy and she enjoyed watching them swim in her pool, or play in the yard in her later years. She took an active role in the Veterans of Foreign Wars club, especially the Post #3207. She gained many deep friendships with the other attendees, leading to many camping and fishing adventures while into her seventies. She was known for loving live music and a good dance. Too pass the time, as her health declined she handcrafted 94 Christmas ornaments. She is survived by two sons, Cary & wife Terri of Prosser, WA and Jimmy R. Martin of Prosser, WA and five stepchildren. She also leaves behind numerous grand and great grandchildren. Shirley will be buried at West Hills Memorial Park, on Thursday September 14th at 10 am. The Prosser VFW will host a celebration of life with dinner on Friday September 15th at 5pm.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.lepfuneralhome.com for the Cornwell family.