Frances Suiter Carlton

Our mother, Frances Suiter Carlton, 95, died peacefully in her sleep Wednesday morning, November 19, 2014. Mom fought the good fight, she finished the race, and she has remained faithful. Mom loved her family, hometown (Murray, KY) and, above all, her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She loved to sing, and whatever the trouble, worry or care, she had a song to take the burden away. How comforting it is to know that the next time mom opens her eyes, she will be in the arms of Jesus as He welcomes her home.

Clara Frances Suiter was born on June 15, 1919, in Murray, Kentucky. She was the daughter, and first child, of the late William Burie Suiter and Paula Ray Suiter. Frances was preceded in death by her loving husband of over 60 years, Robert L Carlton; her grandson, Ryan Keith Carlton; two sisters, Nell and Annie; and two brothers, Jimmy and Ray.

Frances graduated from Almo High School in the Murray area, and with several sisters, took time off to work in the Detroit factories during WWII in support of the war effort. After the war she returned to Murray Kentucky, married her lifelong love, Robert L Carlton and received her Bachelor of Science degree from Murray State University (1948).

A retired teacher, she began her teaching career in Backusburg and Kirksey, Kentucky. After relocating to Columbus, Ohio, mom set teaching aside to raise her children and support her husband in a loving Christian household, taking her teaching to the Sunday School Classroom and the kitchen table. Eventually, mom returned to the public classroom (Columbus City Schools), teaching at Northridge and Pilgrim Elementary schools before retiring. She had a gift of finding and bringing out the best in her kids, always giving a bit of her heart instead of a piece of her mind.

Frances is survived by her two sons, Glenn (wife Sharon) and Keith (wife Melanie); four grandchildren, Chad, Lisa (Husband Matt), Robert and Leah; three step grandchildren; David (wife Patty), Doug, and Jenny (Husband Dan); eight great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Lois, Sue and Glenda.

Our mom's funeral service will be held Saturday, November 29, 2014, at 2:00 p.m. at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home, 201 South 3rd Street, Murray, Kentucky 42071. We look forward to greeting family and friends from 1:00 p.m. until time of the service at the funeral home. Interment will follow at the Murray Memorial Gardens, Murray, Kentucky. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in the memory of Frances Carlton, to Willow Brook Christian Home, 55 Lazelle Road, Columbus, Ohio 43235.

Online condolences can be made at, www.thejhchurchillfuneralhome.com