Martha Keys

Former U.S. Representative Martha Elizabeth Keys passed away on December 19, 2024, at her home in Lake of the Woods, Virginia, with her four children by her side.

Martha was born August 10, 1930, in Hutchinson, Kansas to Sylvester Theodore (S.T.) and Clara (Krey) Ludwig. She grew up with her sister Oletha (Lee) in Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri. She graduated from Paseo High School in 1945 and attended Olivet College in Kankakee, IL, where she met her husband, Samuel Keys. They married in 1948 and shortly after moved to Kansas City, MO, where Sam continued his education, and Martha earned her Bachelor of Arts in Music from the University of Missouri at Kansas City. They had four children, Carol, Bryan, Dana, and Scott. Sam's career in higher education led the family to many different universities around the country. When the family landed at Kansas State University, Martha began her work in community and political affairs. She was active in the Easter Seals Society, United Way campaigns, Arts Council, and served as State Coordinator for Senator George McGovern's presidential bid in 1972. She was dedicated to prioritizing issues that truly improved people's lives. Through this hard work, she gained the attention of fellow Democrats and ran for Congress in 1974, winning her election and becoming the second woman to ever be elected to Congress from Kansas. She was re-elected in 1976. Martha campaigned hard for a seat on the powerful Ways and Means Committee in the House, serving as the only woman member on the Committee during her terms in Congress and making her the second woman to ever serve on the Committee. Martha and Sam divorced in 1975, and Martha remarried Andrew Jacobs, Jr. (D-IN), becoming the first married couple to serve together in the U.S. Congress. Their marriage ended several years later.

During her terms in Congress, Martha worked vigorously on issues of equality, education, health, and the welfare of women and children. She was defeated in her bid for a third term but stayed active in public service. Martha was appointed by President Jimmy Carter as a Special Advisor to the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare, Joseph Califano, and subsequently was appointed Assistant Secretary to the newly created Department of Education.

Among her many roles in public service, she served on the Social Security Advisory Board and served as a member of the National Commission on Social Security Reform. She served as the first Executive Director of the Center for a New Democracy founded by her brother-in-law, former U.S. Senator Gary Hart. She served as the Director of Educational Programs for the Former Members of Congress Association, was a member of the National Advisory Board on Neurological Disorders and Stroke Council at the National Institutes of Health and was Vice President for Public Affairs National Multiple Sclerosis Society. She was a consultant in government and public affairs for various organizations, as well as advising public policy in areas of health, disability, non-profit management, and Social Security issues. She formally retired in 1996.

Martha loved to travel and did so extensively both professionally and in retirement. She was a world traveler, visiting over 60 countries, and enjoyed trips with friends and colleagues both near and far. She loved time spent with family and friends, particularly enjoying family beach vacations and trips to the Colorado mountains. Martha loved playing the piano and was an excellent pianist. She played bridge as often as she could, staying active in her Lake of the Woods community through the Democratic Club, SOLOs, and other community groups.

Music and family were her life-long passions. She leaves four children, six grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, a brother-in-law, two nieces, a nephew, and countless good friends. Her sister, Lee Hart, and both of her husbands preceded her in passing.

Martha was an eternally optimistic woman, always self-driven to do her best. She was ahead of her time and leaves behind a legacy that benefits many people through her persevering work, dedication, and sheer determination.

Martha's final wishes were for her ashes to be scattered over Music Pass in the Sangre de Cristo Range of the Colorado Rockies. A celebration of her life will be held at the clubhouse at Lake of the Woods in Locust Grove, Virginia on January 25, 2025, at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider a donation in her name to the Orange County Public Library.