Marta Jean Ladd's Obituary
Marta Jean Ladd, age 91, of Savoy, Illinois, and formerly of Charleston, Illinois, passed away on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at Charleston Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.
She was born on April 9, 1934, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Kenneth Frank and Letitia Aileen (Hutchens) Cates.
Marta is survived by her five children: Melody Tucker of Charleston; Larry Ladd (Deborah Barrell) of Rancho Cordova, California; Linda Gulledge (Jeff) of Fulshear, Texas; Barb Haddock (Gary) of Charleston; and Bruce Ladd of Savoy. She also leaves behind six grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her great joy.
She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, and one sister.
Marta graduated from Greens Fork High School in Indiana. Her passion for education led her to a career in public relations and journalism, earning a bachelor's degree in journalism at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale and a master's degree in political science at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston. She shared her knowledge and experiences working as a photographer and reporter for the Southern Illinoisian Newspaper in Carbondale and teaching students at Lakeland College, Florida Southern College, and Eastern Illinois University.
She was a member of Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), serving as the 1994 president of the Central Illinois chapter while faculty sponsor of Eastern Illinois University's Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA).
Marta enjoyed sharing her life experiences with members of her writing group. She found joy tending to her flowers and plants. More than anything, she treasured time spent with her family, creating lasting memories through simple, cherished moments.
A private family memorial will be held at a later date.
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