Martha Jo Kelley Manuppelli

Martha Jo Kelley Manuppelli, age 84, passed away on Wednesday, May 23, 2012, surrounded by her family. Martha Jo's husband of 62 years, Mike, started calling her Kelley when they began dating in high school and she's answered to it ever since. Kelley was born on May 4, 1928 in San Antonio, to Victor and Oma Kelley. She graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School and attended Trinity University. She is survived by her husband, Mike, and their three children: Molly Kraft and husband, Tim and their son, Colt; Scott Manuppelli and wife, Debby and their children, Holden, Hannah and Luke; Kelley Sue Grubbs and husband, Kevin and their sons, Joshua and Michael.

Kelley and Mike were inseparable and, together, dedicated their lives to God, family and community. As a member of Concordia Lutheran Church for 56 years, Kelley participated and organized many church activities. She was a member of the choir, volunteered during Vacation Bible School and Sunday School, and helped lead or organize many other church activities. Kelley was often the one providing meals to families in crisis, visiting shut-ins, and working in the church office.

After raising her children, Kelley served as a foster parent, as a member of United Way's grant selection committee, and many years as a volunteer at St. Luke's Hospital. Kelley's interests were wide-ranging. Besides her 6 grandchildren, she was part of a quilting group for many years, learned how to be a seamstress from her mom, created a backyard garden for the many birds she fed and loved, was an amateur geographer and lover of maps, and loved cooking.

Kelley and Mike began to travel internationally in 1972, with the Olympic Games in Munich, Germany. They were able to visit Switzerland, Mexico, Costa Rica, Spain, France and Italy. However, she looked forward most to an annual family reunion in South Padre.

Kelley's earthly remains were cremated. A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 9th at 11:00 a.m. at Concordia Lutheran Church, 16801 Huebner Road at Loop 1604, San Antonio, TX 78258. A reception will follow at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Concordia Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, or Cancer Therapy Research Center, Office of Development, MC7835, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229 or Lutheran Social Services, 8305 Cross Park Dr., Austin, Texas 78754.

Kelly touched many lives and will be remembered for her kindness, her generosity of spirit, her humor and as a living example of what it means to be "a good Christian woman".