Martha Grace Kelly

She was named 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 Women's 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 will occur on Sunday, November 17, 2024 at 2:00 pm, with the funeral service to follow at 3:00 pm with a meal following the service.

Interment will be 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 Senior Care Homes and Kansas City Hospice.