Martha Ann Carroll

Martha Ann Cleverdon was born in 1938 to Bill and Viola Cleverdon. She grew up mostly in the small town of Eldorado, Oklahoma. She was musically inclined and took piano lessons starting as a small child. During her high school years, she began teaching piano to local children. According to Mom’s sister Sue, children would ride their horse to the house just to take lessons from Mom. Mom performed her Senior Recital at the Methodist church. Her sister was so moved by her playing, she cried. Many friends and towns people attended the recital and applauded many times to show their appreciation. Mom also worked at her parent's movie theatre throughout her childhood.

Not only was Mom a skilled musician, she was Valedictorian of her senior class and was the Scribe for her senior trip. As they traveled, she took notes and wrote an article about their trip for the local newspaper, the Eldorado Courier. After high school, Mom considered a degree in music but chose to go to Oklahoma State University and get a degree in education. She was a Delta Zeta at OSU and graduated in 1961.

Mom moved to Colorado and began a teaching career. She met and married Dennis Carroll. They shared a love of music as Dad had a recent degree in music from the University of Nebraska. Soon after, they moved to Nebraska where Dad continued a career in teaching. They welcomed a daughter, Brenna in 1962 and a son, Robert, in 1964. They ultimately settled in the Kansas City Missouri area in 1966 living mostly in Lee’s Summit and Independence over the next 28 years. Mom was a homemaker from here on and occasionally a substitute teacher. She played the organ for church and sang in choirs. She created a caring home for her family and her much beloved family pets. Mom loved all animals, especially cats.

Mom was a great mother. She read to us, gave us a kiss goodnight, and cared for us when we were sick. She took us to our sporting and musical events, had baked goods very often waiting when we got home, and a home cooked meal nearly every night. She developed in us a love of learning and even a healthy questioning of authority. She did her very best to take us on meaningful vacations, even if it was just a camping trip to a local park because it was all we could afford. She could stretch a dollar a long way. She encouraged us to do well, but never pressured us. She made holidays and birthdays great, especially Christmas. She welcomed us home when we had been away.

Mom and Dad moved to Colorado in 1994. This was a time when Mom was able to travel and she took several bus trips on her own to explore the East Coast. Mom loved art and took many classes at Colorado State University in Pueblo and with various private teachers. Mom was a prolific painter and had an Art Studio built at their home. She won honors for a painting she did in 2006. Mom also continued to play the piano on her beloved baby grand. Mom and Dad went on many trips to the Sante Fe Opera along with singing in the Pueblo Chorale and Church Choirs. Mom enjoyed participating in a local dinosaur club and multiple music and book clubs. Mom and Dad very often welcomed our families to Colorado and made going there special. The grandkids loved their Colorado trips. Mom really loved her grandkids.

Mom and Dad moved to Texas in 2013 to be close to family and for additional care as they aged. While there was pain, there was also very special times. Mom was able to see many of her granddaughters musical performances and spent time often with family for an evening meal, playing a game or watching a movie. We had some very nice holiday and family gatherings. Mom continued to learn, read and paint in her last years and even played the piano including at church services. Despite spending her last year in memory care, Mom was able to have good conversations right up to the week of her final decline. Mom passed away on March 21st with her son and daughter at her bedside.

We will forever remember Mom with a book in her hand, sitting at the piano, or resting with a cat in her lap. Mom did struggle with debilitating depression and anxiety throughout her life, yet despite this disability, she was able to live the life we have described here and more. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a mental health charity of your choosing.

Mom is Survived by her husband Dennis Carroll and Sister Sue Wolfson; Daughter Brenna Carroll, Son Bob Carroll and Bob’s Wife Stephanie; Grandchildren James Fernandez, Sean Arnold, Brittany Arnold, Lauren Carroll and Emily Carroll; and Great-Grandchild, Auriale Arnold.

- Bob Carroll and Brenna Carroll