Shirley MARTIN found after extensive search

MARTIN, COULTER, WARIN

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 11/16/2012 at 08:20:42

Mount Ayr Record-News
Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa
Thursday, November 08, 2012

Missing rural Mount Ayr woman found after extensive search

A 74-year-old woman reported missing November 2 has been found.

Shirley Mae MARTIN was last seen at her residence northeast of Mount Ayr wearing blue jeans, T-shirt and sweatshirt. It was estimated she became lost between 12:30-4:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2.

Reports state MARTIN suffers from Alzheimer's disease.

After an extensive search by members of the Ringgold County Sheriff's department, emergency management personnel and over 600 volunteers, MARTIN was located by a search party at 2 p.m. Saturday approximately three-quarters of a mile northwest of her residence in a ditch surrounded by brush. She had spent the night in the elements.

MARTIN was conscious when found. She was transported to the Ringgold County Hospital and then airlifted to Mercy Hospital in Des Moines for observation.

At last report, she was in good condition.

The Ringgold County Sheriff's office wishes to thank everyone who responded to their call for assistance, including Union county sheriff John COULTER, members of the Clarke county sheriff's office and the hundreds of volunteers.

Wishard Chapel north of Mount Ayr served as the command center for the search. Chapel personnel report that a number of personal items have been left behind by volunteers. Anyone seeking information about these lost items should call Grace WARIN.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, November of 2012