Martha “Marty” Kelly
Martha “Marty” Kellams Kelly, beloved mother, grandmother, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully on April 11, 2025, at the age of 91. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, she was the daughter of the late Wayne and Mary Wandel Kellams.
She graduated from Purdue University, where she met her husband, Robert S. Kelly. They shared six decades of love and partnership until Robert’s passing in 2014.
Martha dedicated her career to helping others as a speech therapist for Kirkwood School District. Her compassion and patience touched countless lives.
She was an adventure-loving spirit who embraced life with curiosity and joy. She sailed sailboats with friends and family on lakes, the Caribbean, Greece and the South Pacific. She loved traveling to experience different people and cultures around the country and world but also celebrated the people and places of her hometown. Martha had an easy smile and a genuine interest in people wherever she went.
Faith was a cornerstone of Martha’s life. She was a devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church of Kirkwood, where she served as a Deacon and offered her time and care to the church community. She was also a longtime member of the St. Louis Camera Club, where she served as Secretary and shared her love of photography with fellow enthusiasts.
Martha is survived by her twin sons, Thomas (Veronica) and Michael (Celeste) and her adoring grandchildren David, Andrew(Karen), Jack(Rachel) and Luke; step-grandchildren Monique and Michelle(Joel) and great-grandchildren Jaedon, Omarion, Molina, Elliana, Isabelle, Juliet, and Astoria Rae. She cherished spending vacations with their families and found great joy in being a part of their lives.
She was preceded in death by her sisters Sue Kellams Rulfs and Sara Kellams Durani.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 11:00 AM at First Presbyterian Church of Kirkwood, Missouri, where family and friends will gather to celebrate Martha’s life and share cherished memories.
Martha will be deeply missed, but her love, spirit, and the joy she brought to others will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
She is remembered always for her beauty, faith, useful service in schools and community. Her husband adored her, as we all adored her. The aunt who lived a teaching life, and honored owls, and children, knew her football plays, for our Alex. Her photography and especially that of family is a treasure in our home. Marty, I carry you in my heart. Your niece, Carol 💕
She was a very special cousin. She and her family visited us in our home in Grandview IN. She really liked visiting our old house. It was always a fun time. Last time I visited her was in St Louis a few years ago after which we traveled further West to visit nephews, nieces and Karen’s brother in WA. She loved road trips and thought that was a great thing. She must have gotten interest in photography from Uncle Wayne. He took many pictures. I’ll bet my brothers and I are in some of them.