Martha Kelley

In Celebration of a life well lived.

Martha Jeanette Spangler Kelley, 93, of Decatur passed away at 3:30 am Saturday March 3, 2012 in Heartland Health Care of Decatur.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Zion Presbyterian Bell Choir or Millikin University School of Music.

Martha was born on July 29, 1918 in Dahlgren, IL, the daughter of Ira J. and Mary Barton Spangler. She graduated from Mt. Vernon High School in 1936 and from Millikin University in 1940. While attending Millikin University, Martha was active in the orchestra. She was a member of the music sorority Sigma Alpha Iota. She was a retired school teacher who worked 31 years in the Decatur Public Schools, and in the last 20 years she taught kindergarten at Southeast School. She was also a member of the Kiwaniannes and Lady Land Owners. Martha played in the bell choir at Mt. Zion Presbyterian Church, and she also enjoyed playing the violin and the piano. She married Thomas E. Kelley on April 1, 1941 in St.Genevieve, MO. He preceded her in death.

Surviving are daughter, Karen (David) Reed of Decatur; grandchildren, Patrick Reed of Minneapolis, MN, Suzy (John) Dodwell of Decatur, Kathleen (Justin) Dudley of Blue Mound, IL, Crystal Reed of Decatur, and Christine (Patrick) Edwards of Mattoon, IL; great-grandchildren, Chelsea Dodwell, Craig Dodwell, Sydney Edwards, and Ian French; and her beloved cat, Trouble.

Martha is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Thomas; and son Michael Kelley.

The family would like to thank Heartland North Hall nurses and staff, especially Connie for all their loving care.

Obituary credit:gracelandfairland.com