Martha Clifton

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Martha Clifton, age 82, passed away December 9th, 2020, in Joplin, Missouri, after complications from injuries sustained in a fall and COVID infection.

Martha was born on December 13, 1937, to the late Arnt and Verna Hanson Johnson in Sheyenne, North Dakota. She graduated from Oberon High School in Orberon, North Dakota in 1956. She earned her RN degree in nursing from St. Luke's School of Nursing in Fargo, North Dakota, in 1959. 

Her working career was dedicated to nursing including hospital nursing in Missoula, Hamilton and Deer Lodge, Montana. The last 20 years of her career were in Joplin, Missouri, at the Joplin Regional Center for Developmental Disabilities. 

After retirement, she volunteered her nursing services at the Joplin Community Clinic for many years and was actively involved in the Joplin chapter of the Missouri State Retired Employees Association.

She met her husband, William Clifton, while living in San Francisco, California, and they were married in August, 1963. They located to western Montana, raising two children, and eventually moved to the Joplin, Missouri, area where her husband, William, had grown up. William preceded Martha in death by almost 30 years, passing away on May 22, 1991.

In retirement, along with Martha’s passionate volunteerism, she was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Joplin. She enjoyed weekly pinochle games with a group at the church. She was always thrilled to spend time with her family including 4 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. She enjoyed organizing many family events and was one of the pillars holding the extended Clifton family together. Retirement also allowed her to travel extensively throughout the United States and Canada visiting relatives and getting reacquainted with old friends.

With every move the family made, Martha developed friendships that have lasted a lifetime. She was loved and cherished by her family and many friends. She will be missed forever.

Survivors include her daughter, Carlin (Cameron) Fuller of Neosho, Missouri, and her son, William David (Elizabeth) Clifton of Portland, Oregon. Her grandchildren are Cody Fuller, Corey Fuller, Krissy Clifton and Vill Clifton. She has a great grandson Ryker Fuller and great granddaughter Emilia Fuller.

Graveside committal of ashes will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday at the Seneca Cemetery. Pastor Rich Gates will officiate.

Memorials may be sent to Peace Luthern Church of Joplin, Missouri, or the Joplin Community Clinic.