Sheila Ellen (Bowen) Derby Martin, 83, of Bath, NY passed away peacefully at The Cottages at Garden Grove in Cicero, NY on Monday. She was born on October 9, 1942 in Syracuse, NY to the late Clarence G. and Violet M. Bowen. Sheila was a member of one of the last classes to attend Horton Town, Lysander District No. 3, a one room schoolhouse. She graduated from Baldwinsville Academy and Central School in 1959.  Sheila completed her education attending the State University of New York College at Oswego, and was a member of Alpha Chapter of Theta Chi Rho Sorority. She graduated in June of 1963 with a Bachelor of Science in Education Degree. Sheila was a student teacher at Adams Center, as well as at Elizabeth Street School in Baldwinsville, NY. She went on to teach elementary grade at Solvay, Constantia, Cleveland, Brewerton, and lastly Cato Meridian Central School 1970-1997.  She lived in the Baldwinsville area for many years as well as Savannah, Cohocton and Bath, NY.

Sheila had a passion for singing and received many compliments, joining church and community choir groups. Her love of history resulted in membership in the Kiandaga Chapter of the NSDAR, Quota International Inc. and a local Red Hats group of ladies.

Her other passion was spending time with her grandchildren, often singing ditties to them and calling them to sing Happy Birthday each year. She never needed a GPS, as she'd travel backroads using only the sun to guide her. In addition to her parents, Sheila is predeceased by her siblings, Glenn A. Bowen, Helen I. Vault and Russell G. Bowen as well as her husbands' Raymond E. Derby I and Roland X. Martin.

She is survived by her children Raymond E. Derby II (Suellen Leonik) of Cato, NY and Candi J. Derby (Roger) Rode of Spring City, TN., her grandchildren, Valerie N. Arbuckle; Charlene A. Rode, Thomas C. (Mariah) Rode, Laura M. (Zachary) Lane, 2 great grandchildren, Liam M. Lane and Connor L. Lane as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. Also surviving her are sisters-in-law, Jane Bowen and Anne Derby as well as childhood friend, Janet Bartello.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the Maurer Funeral Home Moyers Corners, 3541 State Rt 31, Baldwinsville with funeral services to follow at 3:00 pm. Spring burial will take place in Valley View Cemetery in Avoca, NY.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Alzheimer's Association, CNY Chapter, 5015 Campuswood Drive, Suite 102, East Syracuse, NY 13057. Please sign the Maurer Funeral Home on-line guestbook for Sheila to express your condolences to her family.