BLOOMINGTON — Martha Elaine Carlton, 77, of Bloomington, passed away at 5:53 a.m. Wednesday (Feb. 19, 2020) at Heritage Health, Normal.
A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington. Visitation will be Tuesday from 10 to 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Cremation rites will be accorded. Memorials may be made to the Humane Society of Central Illinois or Wesley United Methodist Church.
Martha was born May 5, 1942 in Staunton, the daughter of Willard & Elsie (Johnson) Valentine. She is survived by one daughter, Deborah Carlton. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Martha attended Bloomington High School graduating in 1960. She then worked at Country Companies over 20 years before entering a career in social service. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Illinois State University in 1984 and a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Illinois in 1992. Her work in this field spanned more than 20 years, working first for Youth Services in the group home and foster care programs and as an administrator. She then worked at The Baby Fold from 1996-2008. She wore many hats as the supervisor of the Professional Foster Care program. She showed her caring spirit and professionalism as a supervisor, a mentor, and peer. Her relationships touched the lives of many youth and families, truly making a difference.
The family and friends would also like to thank the staff at Heritage North nursing home. She will be missed by many.