Martha Jane Key Shelton formerly of Jonesburg and Columbia, Missouri passed away on Monday, June 1, 2026 at Twin Oaks Assisted Living in Wentzville, Missouri, surrounded by people who admired and loved her.

Martha was born April 29, 1924 in a farm house in Warren County, the 5th child of James Key and Sarah Wilson Key.

Martha completed eight years at Honey Locust country school, graduating from Jonesburg High School as Valedictorian in 1942. While in high school, she was crowned Queen of Jonesburg in 1941.

After graduating, she passed the State Teacher's Exam and accepted a position a Blattner School in Wright City. After one year she knew teaching was not for her.  Passing the Civil Service Exam, she moved to St. Louis, where she worked as a secretary.

While working in St. Louis, she married her high school sweetheart, Edgar Shelton on April 28th, 1946. Edgar and Martha moved back to Jonesburg to await the arrival of their baby girl, Marinelle, who sadly died at 19 days old on July 14, 1947.

While making their home in Jonesburg, Martha was offered a job at the Jonesburg State Bank. As Martha said, "This was a whole new career for me since I had never worked with figures, but I learned to love it." She enjoyed 62 years in banking, retiring in 1994 as Bank Vice President, and continued serving on the Bank Board until February, 2014.

While living in Jonesburg, Martha was an active member of the Jonesburg Christian Church, the Eastern Star, and Past Matrons. She also enjoyed playing bridge, golf, and bowling.

Because of health concerns, Martha and Edgar moved to Columbia in January 1995 to be closer to their doctors.

After the death of Edgar in 2002, Martha continued to reside in Columbia until 2015, when she moved to Wentzville to be closer to family. She enjoyed her time spent at Twin Oaks where she made many friends, including the caring, professional, and supportive staff, for which she was very grateful.

Martha was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, Edgar, and daughter, Marinelle. Also preceding her in death were siblings James Key, Georgia Harding, Nicholas (Nick) Key, Katherine (Katie) Meyer and Mary Schafer.

Martha leaves an enduring legacy of faith, kindness, compassion, and wisdom to her many nieces and nephews and to all who knew her.

A heartfelt thanks to owners and staff at Twin Oaks and St. Croix Hospice. 

Memorial donations may be made to: Jonesburg Christian Church or Wentzville United Methodist Church.

The family is being served by Pitman Funeral Home in Wentzville.