Marlene Martin

Marlene Kay Martin BSN of Chillicothe, Missouri entered into rest in her home on January 25, 2022, at the age of 66.

Marlene was born in Kansas City on February 20, 1955, to Paul and Vivian Cothern Shelton. She often told people that her first degree was in clowning she could often be found as Jellybean at a child’s party or giving object lessons at a kid’s crusade. She worked for the government in the social security administration for 21 years and was awarded the Governors Citation Award. She began her studies at Penn Valley and graduated cum laude from Graceland university earning her BSN degree. Marlene worked at Hedrick Medical Center to gain a more diverse experience of nursing.

Marlene and Dr. Dea Campbell opened the Grace Weekend Clinic, serving many people in the community when their primary physician wasn’t open or they had no primary physician. She also owned one-third of the Natural Corner with Dr. Dea Campbell and Robin Stone. Marlene was involved in many medical mission trips, traveling to Mexico and Guatemala not only providing medical care but also researched and published a study on third world nutrition of children. She and Dr. Campbell founded a nonprofit organization called House Calls International. Together they organized and lead many mission trips, traveling to Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Bolivia, and Swaziland Africa. As well as patient care Marlene focused on education, especially for mothers of small children.

She loved sports, music, humor, children, and animals. She sang and played music in school, church, and whenever the opportunity arose. She pitched for softball as long as possible. She loved God and exemplified that in everything that she did.

Marlene is survived by her daughter, Paula Martin of Chillicothe; grandson, Tyler Martin; twin brother, Mark Shelton of Chillicothe; brother, Stanley Shelton of Tennessee; niece, Rachel Shelton of Kansas City; extended family, Dr. Dea Campbell; Robin Stone; Joshua Hackworth; Kevin Stone; John (JD) Stone.

Her parents preceded her in death.

She was greatly loved and will be greatly missed.

Memorials can be made to St. Judes Children's Hospital and left at or mailed to Heritage Funeral Home 3141 North Washington Street Chillicothe, Missouri 64601. online condolences may be left at www.heritage-becausewecare.com

Funeral services will be held Friday, February 4, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Heritage Funeral Home.