09/08/2026
Martha Jane Bell, 86, of Paducah, Kentucky, passed away at her home on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. Martha was born on July 26, 1940, in Paducah to the late J.P. Crenshaw and Mary Ellen Futrell. Martha was the founder of Martha's Vineyard, a longstanding local nonprofit organization established to serve those in need throughout the community. For more than 35 years, she devoted herself to caring for others, particularly through the preparation and home delivery of nutritious meals. Her tireless work and servant's heart touched countless lives and made her a true pillar of the Paducah community. Martha was the very definition of a good and faithful servant. Her faith guided her life, and she was a devoted member of Free Gospel Church, where she cherished her church family, Bible study, and singing in the choir. She had a genuine desire to help everyone she could and worked tirelessly to make sure others were cared for and fed. Affectionately known as "Granny" by so many, Martha was loved throughout the community she proudly served for so many years. While her life was devoted to helping others, her family remained at the heart of everything she did. She was the rock and anchor of her family and will be remembered for her strength, selflessness, and unconditional love. Martha also had a creative spirit and enjoyed drawing, painting, and crocheting. She was artistically gifted. God has called His faithful servant home to rest, and the impact she made on her family and community will continue to be felt for generations to come. Martha is survived by her two daughters, Christie Bell and Melinda Ringstaff, both of Paducah; one brother, Johnny Crenshaw; two sisters, Patricia Rohrer and Emma Dixon of Paducah; three grandchildren, Payton (Bobbie) Rodgers of Owensboro, Kentucky, Christopher (Davy) Ringstaff of Paducah, and Christian Ringstaff of Paducah; and five great-grandchildren, Ethan Alexander Ringstaff, Jason Christopher Reese Ringstaff, Addyson Mckae Martin, Olivia Jane Beyer, and Zaylen River Ringstaff. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles A. Bell; two brothers, J.P. Crenshaw Jr. and Michael Crenshaw; four sisters, Sherron Crenshaw, Barbara Nell Crenshaw, Shirley Jean Kortz, and Dianne Neblett; and one grandson, Dylan Rodgers. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah, with Rev. Keith Tilford and Rev. Todd Hawkins officiating. Burial will follow at Maplelawn Park Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the service hour of 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at the funeral home.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to any nonprofit organization in our area.
