ObituaryMartha Ellen Conner (Marty) Lucas, 77 passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 in Columbia with members of her family by her side. Services will be held on Saturday, February 27th at Parker Funeral Service. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. and will be followed by the service to celebrate her life at 1:00 p.m.Marty was born August 18, 1932 in Patton, Illinois to Geral A. Conner and Ila Blankenbaker Conner. Upon graduating from David H. Hickman High School in 1950, Marty attended the University of Missouri-Columbia before marrying her high school sweetheart. Marty and William C. Lucas were wed on December 21, 1952 and made their home in Columbia, Missouri until the sale of the Missouri Store Company in September, 1985. They then enjoyed over twenty years on Sanibel Island, Florida while continuing to summer at The Lake of The Ozarks.Marty was always active and enjoyed being a part of the community. Early in their marriage, Marty and Bill took lessons and enjoyed dancing the night away at the Country Club. Marty was an avid card player, excelling at bridge, blackjack and gin rummy. She loved to follow the stock market and later joined the Sanibel Women's Investment Club. Marty was a member of the Columbian Chapter Daughter's of the American Revolution, the Constance Emig King's Daughters Circle, and the Lee Memorial Children's Fund. With her husband, she was also a long-time member of the Sanibel-Captiva Sail & Power Squadron, attending over 160 Change of Watch ceremonies, as well as being a member of the Captiva Yacht Club. Marty and Bill traveled far and wide, including a 'round the World cruise. Marty's sense of style and joy in living were always a large part of who she was.First and foremost, however, Marty was a loving wife, mother, sister and friend. She will be sorely missed and never forgotten.Survived by her husband, Bill, Marty leaves five children: Sami Lucas of Fort Myers, FL; William Lucas Jr., Reuben Lucas, and Ramona Lucas-Smith of Columbia, MO; and, Matthew Lucas and his wife Ann of Memphis TN. Marty was blessed with grandchildren John Gray, Cory and Justin Smith, Anna and Ellen Lucas and her great-grandson, Matthew Gray. She is also survived by her younger sister, Candice Connor Epperson, and Candy's husband, Robert, of Baton Rouge, LA, as well as by many nieces, nephews, and a bevy of friends. Marty is predeceased by her parents and older sister, Ramona Downey.Online condolences may be left at: www.parkerfuneralservice.com. Memorial contributions may be made to the Martha C. Lucas Endowment at the University of Missouri-Columbia, 152 McReynolds Hall, Columbia, MO 65211. This endowment will provide scholarship support for medical and nursing students with financial need specializing in and/or researching geriatrics, Alzheimer's or dementia related care.