Dear Family and Friends,

It is with a heavy heart that I share with you about the passing of Claudia Faye Martin 'nee Herron on June 17, 2024. Age 71 of Wrightstown, WI, Mom was at 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, CO to the late Doris and Kenneth Herron. She spent most of her youth in Norman and Madill, OK. After graduating from Madill High School, she enlisted in the Army in 1972 which stationed her at Fort McClellan, Alabama 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, OK 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, WI.

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.

Mom 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, Mom's commentary of the game came through via text or a messaging app. I'm so grateful Mom got to enjoy watching her Oklahoma Sooners win their fourth straight Women's College World Series earlier this month.

A treasured wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandma, great-grandma; friend, Claudia is survived by her husband, Steve R. Martin of Wrightstown, WI; her children, Chris L. (Nicole) Martin of Lansing, NY and David (Melanie) Martin of Wichita Falls, TX; nine grandchildren, Michael (Arianna), Caitlin, Cleo, Kamden, Charlee, Oliver, Huck, Hattie and Ruby; James promoted her to great-grandma. Additionally, Claudia is survived by her siblings, Doris Jean (Jay) Pruitt of Kingston, OK and Dennis (Irene) of Lewisville, TX; extended family, friends and her three cats.

At her request there will be a celebration of life near Kingston, OK 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, WI. They may be reached at fosterthevillage@gmail.com.

Ryan Funeral Home, De Pere, is assiting the Martin family.