Martha Clayton, 90, of Springfield, Missouri passed away on May 18, 2022, from complications associated with congestive heart failure. Martha was born on April 12, 1932, near Pine Ridge, Missouri and was one of six children of John and Clysta Baker. Martha went to school in Forsyth where she graduated in 1950.

Martha met the love of her life, Richard, as a junior in high school and they had been married 64 years when Richard died in 2019. During their marriage, the two liked to travel across the United States and they enjoyed country and ball room dancing. They were inseparable from the time they met including the time when Richard was stationed in Washington D.C. and Martha worked at the Pentagon.

Their only child, Penny, was heavily involved with competitive fast-pitch softball and Martha and Richard spent many hours attending her games. Numerous days were spent at the ballpark supporting Penny and her teammates including several cross-country trips to national tournaments.

When any family member had a health problem, Martha was the first to step up and help. She would work tirelessly to assist her family through medical hardships. Martha loved the outdoors and worked diligently in her yard keeping it blooming beautifully and free from weeds, limbs, and leaves.

Martha is survived by her daughter Penny Clayton and her husband Stu Dunlop, her nephew, Scotty (Debbie) Hurst, niece Cindy (Eddie) Johnson, many great nieces and nephews, as well as a favorite cousin Marilynn Sue Stricklett (Mick) and good friends Richard and Barbara Schoonover. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Clysta Baker, four sisters, Lillian Slusher, Reva Baker, Mary (Davie) Burns, and Ellen Hurst, and her brother John Dean Baker.

A graveside service will be held at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens in Springfield, Missouri,  Saturday, May 21, 2022 at 10:00 a.m.