Mickey K. Carlton

Longtime Casa Grande resident and community leader Mildred K. "Mickey" Carlton, 83, died July 25, 2007 after a short battle with cancer.

The memorial service will be at 4 p.m. Tuesday at First Presbyterian Church of Casa Grande.

Mrs. Carlton was born March 18, 1924 in Twin Falls, Idaho, the youngest of four children of John William "Willy" and Nancy Elizabeth "Betty" King. She graduated from Casa Grande Union High School and Arizona State Teachers College, now Arizona State University. She married high school classmate Keith Carlton in 1945 upon his return from service in World War II. They raised a family of five children and carried on a successful farming operation started by Keith's father, Marvin. She was devoted to her family and was the glue that bonded them. She was loving, nurturing and giving. She was committed to instilling in her children the values of honesty, integrity and hard work.

She was active in First Presbyterian Church and served as elder, trustee and, her favorite, as leader of youth activities. She also participated in many civic organizations including as a board member of the Casa Grande Elementary School District and Central Arizona College, and Casa Grande Valley Cotton and Agriculture Women, Pinal County 4-H and Zonta. She had always wanted to travel, and she and her husband in retirement embarked on journeys that took them around the world. Trips to Europe, Australia and China were wedged in between RV excursions across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Many of these trips included lifelong friends.

Survivors include three daughters, Jeanne Campo of Scottsdale, Amy Wilson of Salado, Texas, and Maribeth Carlton of La Conner, Wash.; two sons, Mark of Bakersfield, Calif., and Marvin of Phoenix; 11 grandchildren; and two great-grandsons. She was preceded in death by her husband.

Memorial contributions may be made to: First Presbyterian Church, Casa Grande Valley Historical Society or RTA Hospice Foundation.

J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel is in charge of arrangements.