Marta Glee Schellberg

November 16, 1948 - August 2, 2025

Born to Martin Gleason and Betty Jean (Newell) Addicott in Bellingham, Washington, Marta's life was a gift to all. Everyone who encountered her learned of her love, acceptance, ability to bring out the best in everyone, and unmatched joy and enthusiasm for life. That love and acceptance came early in moments shared with her Grandma Addicott in her grandma's garden. Looking at all of the pansies in the garden, their uplifted and smiling faces in all colors and hues, Marta's grandma pointed out that no matter their differences, they were all equally and unconditionally loved by God.

After graduating from Bellingham High School in 1967, Marta attended Washington State University where she met Bill Rupp. The two were married on April 26, 1969 and would have two children together, Jennifer and Mark. With Bill serving as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps, their marriage took the family to Savannah, GA, Jacksonville, NC, Orangevale, CA, Mission Viejo, CA, Middletown, RI, Key West, FL, and Laguna Hills, CA.

Children, music, her faith and the many friends she made have always animated Marta at all stages of her life. Throughout her many years of moving from place to place, Marta would jump into a church family and often serve as choir director for both adult and children's choirs. She also put together and directed countless talent shows and musicals. It was in Key West that Marta became a kindergarten teacher.

After her first marriage ended, Marta and the kids returned to Bellingham in 1986 and moved next door to Marta's childhood and lifelong friend, Bonnie Gregory. Marta led educational programs at Garden Street United Methodist Church. While at Garden Street, she pursued a master of divinity degree and graduated from Claremont School of Theology. It was also at Garden Street that Marta met Ken Schellberg in the church choir. The two were married on June 22, 1989.

From Garden Street, Marta served as the Associate Pastor at Edmonds United Methodist Church from 1995 to 2008, where she also directed the children's choir and created the Vacation Bible School (VBS) program with extravagant sets. Through Marta's leadership, VBS children (and their adult counselors) were transported to other times and places - passengers on Noah's Ark one summer and travelers with Moses through the parting of the Red Sea another summer. PVC tubing and tarps serving as the Red Sea were parted on the church parking lot making way for Moses and the many children. Church staff pursuing the children on hobby horses were ultimately trapped and then deluged with sprinklers! From Edmonds UMC, Marta also led mission trips to China and Kenya.

Marta served as Pastor at Bremerton United Methodist Church from 2008 to 2018. Her ministry contained a strong advocacy for social justice and the care of God's creation. A lover of animals, particularly dogs, her whole life, Marta annually performed a blessing of the parishioners' animals.

After her retirement in 2018, Marta dedicated more time to her love of quilting, making quilts for every season and for countless little ones that were welcomed into the world. After a time she re-entered her active life as an advocate for women and children, joining, and later leading, the Women's Giving Circle of the Kitsap Community Foundation.

Of all Marta's many positions and accomplishments, her favorite roles and the ones that gave her the most joy and pride were of being a Mom and Grandma. Her kids and grandkids will attest to how remarkably she filled those roles with such love and care.

Marta is survived by her husband, Ken Schellberg of Seabeck, WA; daughter Jennifer Rupp of Silverdale, WA; son Mark Rupp (Chuck Butler) of Takoma Park, MD; granddaughter Morgan Arrington (Kent Hamilton) of Orcas Island, WA; grandson Ethan Arrington of New York, NY; and sister Kristi Carpenter (Dean Carpenter) of Bellingham, WA. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister Vicki Young; and brother Ricki Selhaver.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Women's Giving Circle of the Kitsap Peninsula (https://www.kitsapfoundation.org/womensgivingcircle); the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya and their orphaned infant elephant program (https://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org); or the Franciscan Foundation at Franciscan Hospice and Palliative Care, 2901 Bridgeport Way West, University Place, WA 98466.