Martha Ellen Carter

Martha Ellen Carter, 90, of Shelbyville, went to be with the Lord on Monday, August 25, 2025, at Franciscan Hospice House in Indianapolis.

She was born on June 20, 1935, in Shelbyville, the daughter of Orville and Minnie (Bush) Thompson. On January 16, 1959, she married the love of her life, Richard L. Carter, and he preceded her in death on February 10, 2025.

Martha spent most of her life in Shelby County. After high school graduation, she was among the first to be hired to work in the office of the new G.E. plant that had just come to Shelbyville.

In addition to Richard, Martha was preceded in death by her parents; nephew, Randy; and her beloved cat, Connie.

Martha and Richard spent many happy years roller skating, ballroom dancing and traveling. They also had an antique shop in St. Augustine, Florida, where they lived from 1991 to 2007. She also loved to read.

As per Martha’s wishes there will be no visitation and the funeral will be private.

Services have been entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville.

Interment was at Forest Hill Cemetery in Shelbyville.

Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church of Shelbyville, 34 W. Washington St., Shelbyville, Indiana 46176, where Martha was a member. Also, to the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, Texas 75284-0692, or the Shelbyville-Shelby County Animal Shelter, 705 Hale Road, Shelbyville, Indiana 46176.

Online condolences may be shared with Martha’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.