Martha “Marty” Ellen Lemley
Martha Ellen Lemley: November 27, 1942 to April 15, 2026. Marty Lemley ended her journey on this fragile earth on April 15, 2026. Yet, her strength and love will sustain her family and friends for decades to come.
Marty was the first child of Phyllis and Paul Andree Krueger who moved to St. Louis in the
mid-1950s from their home in Ohio. Marty built a home, career, and a large circle of caring
friends who adored her bright enthusiasm and compassion. Her dedication to family was
easy to see in the attentive care she paid to Phyllis and Andy as they aged.
In 1984, she married her devoted husband Alan Lemley. She was a loving mother to her son
Neil and a loving step-mother to Alan’s sons Mark and Gregg. Marty and Alan enjoyed a rich
life together, welcoming all into their Des Peres home. That extended to the wild creatures
in their backyard, even the “cute” moles who laid waste to her flowers and lawn. Her house
pets were a succession of the most pampered cats in the world.
An avid reader and enthusiast of movies and theater, her extensive memory gave her a
sharp advantage in the dozens of different games played by one and all at the kitchen table,
which always had room for her favorite ice cream.
Marty’s husband was an only child, and her family quickly became his. She took joy from
the time spent with her son, Neil, an accomplished artist, as well as her three sisters.
She is survived by Alan Lemley, Neil Brown (Lisa Houdyshell), Sue Gold (Terry), Rebecca
Now, Joan Vogel (Jim), Mark Lemley (Rose Hagan), Gregg Lemley (Erin Williams) and many
nieces, nephews and grandchildren all of whom have the best possible memories of the
vacations, the holidays, and everyday life spent in Marty’s company.
In her later years, she battled Parkinson’s Disease with grace and fearlessness. It depleted
her energy and mobility, but it never conquered her spirit.
The family requests any memorials be sent to the St. Louis chapter of the American Parkinson’s Disease Association or The Repertory Theater of St. Louis in Webster Groves.
Alan and Neil
I’m so sorry for your loss. Marty was a truly remarkable person. I’ll never forget her love of animals, cats in particular! Parkinson’s is such a cruel disease and I know this must’ve been a terribly difficult time in all of your lives. She was so fortunate to have such a loving family to care for her. My thoughts and love and prayers are with you and all your family as you move forward in the days ahead.
Nancy Jordan (Stephen’s mother in law)
Alan and Neil, I was so sorry to hear about Marty. What a wonderful friend and neighbor she was. I was always honored that she would ask me to watch her cats when you were out of town! Hugs to you all.
Carrie (Fischer) Grapenthin
Winding Trail cul-de-sac forever
On behalf of the chaplain’s department at Friendship Village, we offer our deepest condolences. Thank you for sharing Martha with us during the last days. We were honored to care for her. Please remember the promise of God that “God is near to the brokenhearted.” Psalm 34:18.
Alan, I am so sorry to hear of Marty’s passing. It came as quite a shock. I regret we haven’t stayed in touch more. I remember some fun dinners, including seeing and admiring some of Neil’s work and we always admired Marty’s support of The Rep. I know you had a great life together, but am saddened by the fact that it was cut too short. Hopefully our paths will cross again soon. I’d like that. In the meantime,take care.. JoAnn and I are holding good thoughts for you.
Ted Sanditz