Margaret B. Kelly

Margaret Blake Kelly (born September 17, 1935) is an American former politician and accountant from Missouri.

Kelly served as the State Auditor of Missouri from 1984 to 1999. She is the first woman to hold statewide office in Missouri. Kelly is a Republican.

Early life, education, and family Kelly was born in Crystal City, Missouri to Emory and Florine Blake. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from the University of Missouri in 1957. Kelly also received an MBA from Missouri State University (then Southwest Missouri State University) in 1975 and earned her CPA certification in 1982. Kelly is married to William C. Kelly; the Kellys have three sons. She was inaugurated on July 16, 1984. Kelly is the first woman to hold statewide elected office in Missouri. In 1996, she ran for governor against Democratic Gov. Mel Carnahan, but lost by a large margin.

Kelly retired from public life after leaving office in January 1999.