Claudia Faye (Herron) Martin, 71 of Wrightstown, Wis. passed away June 17, 2024. Age 71 of Wrightstown, Wis. She passed at her home surrounded by her family and filled with the messages of love sent by many people.
Claudia was born on March 11, 1953, in Leadville, Colo. to the late Doris and Kenneth Herron. She spent most of her youth in Norman and Madill, Okla. After graduating from Madill High School, she enlisted in the Army in 1972 which stationed her at Fort McClellan, Ala. where she met her husband of 50 years, Steve R. Martin, who was also in the Army. The military stationed them as far away as Germany but settled them at Fort Sill in Lawton, Okla. for most of their careers. Claudia retired in 1992 as a Sergeant First Class after 20 years of committed service to her country. Afterward, she enjoyed a career as a Licensed Behavior Practitioner working with foster youth.
Claudia lived by the motto “making a difference” and did just that as a foster parent. She and Steve fostered countless children over a span of 15 years. In recognition of their service as foster parents, they had a bench named in their honor by Foster the Village of Green Bay, Wis.
Claudia’s commitment to serving children will have rippling effects far beyond her reach. Both of her children and a niece have continued her legacy and fostered children for many years. Like a pebble dropped into the stillness of a pond, the ripples continue.
She was a committed, enthusiastic sports fan specifically of football, both college and professional, softball and the University of Oklahoma Sooners. She held fond memories of watching football with her dad when she was young and this pastime continued throughout her life. She cheered loudly for her teams and players whether watching from the stands or on TV. She greatly enjoyed watching football with her siblings and, when distance separated them, Her commentary of the game came through via text or a messaging app. She even had to pleasure of watching her Oklahoma Sooners win their fourth straight Women’s College World Series earlier this month.
A treasured wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandma, greatgrandma and friend, Claudia is survived by her husband, Steve R. Martin of Wrightstown, Wis.; children, Chris L. Martin and wife Nicole of Lansing, NY and David Martin and wife Melanie of Wichita Falls, Texas; nine grandchildren, Michael and wife Arianna, Caitlin, Cleo, Kamden, Charlee, Oliver, Huck, Hattie and Ruby; great grandson James; siblings, Doris Jean Pruitt and husband Jay of Kingston, Okla. and Dennis and wife Irene of Lewisville, Texas; extended family, friends and her three cats.
The funeral service will be August 31, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at Shay Cemetery Kingston, Okla.
At her request, there will be a celebration of life near Kingston, Okla. in September. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to Foster the Village of Green Bay, Wis. They may be reached at fosterthevillage@gmail.com.
Services are under the direction of Ryan Funeral Home, De Pere. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Claudia, please visit the funeral home's floral store.