[Home-on-the-Range] FW: Martha text obit

Thu Nov 14 16:22:46 UTC 2024

I think this proves I am a mess. I forgot to paste it in.

Martha Grace Kelly, age 90, passed away on November 12, 2024. She was snamed
after her Grandmother Martha Dawes and was born December 8, 1933 in the
Dawes family home in Yale, Oklahoma. Her family moved to Kansas at age 4
where she spent the remainder of her life. 

She is survived by two daughters and spouses Nancy and Roger Neighbors,
Jackie and Mark Dwyer. Her grandchildren Aaron and Lisa Neighbors, Ryan and
Ruth Neighbors, Ann Renee Kelly Neighbors, Brenna and Kelly Dwyer.

She is also blessed with great-grandchildren Lily, Olive, Rowan, Patrick,
Kian and Rosemary Grace. She is also survived by her niece Denise Templeton,
nephew Jim Page, many cousins and countless friends.

Martha was preceded in death by her parents, Lutie and George Duncan, spouse
Lloyd (Jack) Kelly, special friend Revelle Lee, sisters Bernice and Myrtle
and niece Ann.

Martha began her education at South Park Elementary School and graduated
from Shawnee Mission North High School in 1951. She entered the workforce at
an early age, helping her mother with her laundry business, housecleaning,
collecting walnuts for 5 cents per bucket, plucking chickens, and
babysitting. After the death of her mother, Lutie, in 1949, Martha took on
the responsibility of caring for her father and younger sister, Myrtle.

In 1950, Martha met Jack while roller skating. They married in 1951. Martha
worked for Sears, where she retrieved orders from the storeroom-though she
wasn't quite brave enough to zoom around on roller skates like some of her
coworkers. She also worked for Southwestern Bell, Gulf Oil, and finally
Missouri National Life Insurance as a claims examiner. But beyond her
professional roles, Martha was best known for her selfless devotion to
others. She was a tireless caregiver, always putting the needs of those
around her before her own.

Martha's service extended far beyond her family. She was an active member of
the Eastern Star for over 50 years, serving as a Star Point Aide. She
dedicated more than 70 years to the National Federation of the Blind,
earning numerous service awards for her work. She was involved in several
community organizations, including Christian Womens Fellowship, the Turner
Golden Age Club, Fairbanks Morse Retirees Group, and Shawnee Mission Grief
Group.

Her faith was also central to her life. Martha served for decades in
ministry as a teacher, deacon, elder, and Christian Education Chairperson at
Budd Park Christian Church, where she was a devoted member for 50 years. For
the last 20 years, she volunteered at Hillcrest Christian Church, leading
Sunday school classes and the "Keenagers" senior citizen group. Her
commitment to serving others extended to her blood donations, achieving the
remarkable milestone of a 5-gallon donor.

Martha's unwavering love, patience, and compassion left a lasting impact on
all who knew her. She is deeply missed by her family and friends, but we
take comfort in knowing she has been welcomed with open arms by Christ

A celebration of Martha's life will take place on Sunday, November 17 at
Hillcrest Christian Church 11411 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66210.

Visitation at 2pm and funeral at 3pm with meal following the service.
Internment on Monday, November 18, 2:30 pm at Floral Hills Cemetery, Kansas
City, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, Martha requested memorial contributions to Hillcrest
Christian Church, 11411 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, Kansas 66210 and the
National Federation of the Blind of Kansas, c/o Robert Fuller treasurer,
1120 Randall Rd, Lawrence, Kansas 66049.

Martha and her family wish to express appreciation for the wonderful care
provided by SeniorCare Homes and Kansas City Hospice. 

From: slstanzel at kc.rr.com <slstanzel at kc.rr.com> 
Sent: Thursday, November 14, 2024 10:11 AM
To: 'NFB of Kansas Internet Mailing List' <home-on-the-range at nfbnet.org>;
'Donna Wood' <donnajwood at cox.net>; 'Dianne' <diannehemphill at cox.net>
Subject: Martha text obit

Please send this text version far and wide.

For our members who can hire a driver to attend Martha's service, Tom Page
has authorized billing the state organization. There will be a meal served
after her service. Knowing this will assist you in planning your time.

Thank you for your help

Your friend,

Susie Stanzel

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