Marta Jo Carmack

Marta Jo Carmack passed away peacefully on March 31, 2026, in Greeley, Colorado, after a courageous battle with cancer. At seventy years old, she left behind a remarkable legacy of dedication, service, and love that touched countless lives across the American West.

Born in 1955 in Waco, Texas, to Norma Clark and Kenneth Bruce Clark, Marta's early years were shaped by the values her parents instilled in her—a strong work ethic and caring spirit that would define her entire life. Her family relocated to Grants, New Mexico, where she spent her formative years in a community known for its uranium mining industry during the Cold War era. Growing up in this vibrant southwestern town, Marta developed a deep appreciation for hard work and community that would serve her throughout her life.

Driven by her passion for animals, Marta pursued higher education at New Mexico State University, where she earned a degree in Animal Science. This accomplishment placed her among a generation of women who increasingly sought professional education and careers in traditionally male-dominated fields. Her studies at NMSU provided her with comprehensive knowledge in animal anatomy, behavior, genetics, nutrition, and physiology, reflecting her genuine dedication to animal welfare and scientific understanding.

Following her education, Marta eventually made Colorado her home, settling first in Parker, a rapidly growing suburban community in Douglas County that she would call home for the majority of her life. Parker's transformation from a small railroad town to a thriving suburb mirrored Marta's own journey of growth and adaptation. The community's expansion from just 285 residents at incorporation to over 58,000 by 2020 occurred during her decades of residence there.

The cornerstone of Marta's professional life was her extraordinary forty-year career with Target, where she became known for her reliability and kindness. Her four-decade tenure placed her among the most dedicated employees in retail history, demonstrating an unwavering commitment that spanned multiple generations of Target's corporate evolution. Throughout changing retail landscapes and economic uncertainties, Marta remained a steady presence, earning the respect and admiration of countless colleagues and customers who came to rely on her consistent excellence and warm demeanor.

Beyond her retail career, Marta demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit as the proud owner and operator of a Curves fitness franchise. This venture reflected her commitment to women's health and wellness, as she created a supportive environment where women could pursue their fitness goals. The Curves model, designed specifically for women seeking a comfortable and encouraging workout environment, aligned perfectly with Marta's nurturing nature. Through her franchise, she inspired and supported many women in their health and wellness journeys, serving not merely as a business owner but as a mentor and advocate for women's empowerment.

Family remained at the center of Marta's world throughout her life. She was a devoted mother to her two sons, Garrett and Kyle Carmack, who brought her immense joy and pride. Garrett established himself in Greeley, Colorado, while Kyle made his home in Parker, continuing the family's deep roots in Colorado. Her role as grandmother to Cortland, Landon, Hadley, Cooper, and Cora brought her particular happiness in her later years, as she delighted in watching the next generation grow and flourish.

Marta maintained close relationships with her siblings throughout her life. Her brother Derek Clark and his wife Maria, along with her sister Tammy Clark and her husband Andy Allerman, formed part of an extended family network that provided mutual support and companionship across the decades. The family faced losses together, including the earlier deaths of her sisters Kelly Mitchell and Cindy Clark, which only strengthened the bonds among the survivors.

In her later years, Marta relocated to Greeley, Colorado, where she spent her final chapter surrounded by family. Despite facing her cancer diagnosis with characteristic courage and grace, she continued to embody the warmth, strength, and unwavering dedication to those she loved that had defined her entire life. Her battle with illness was met with the same determination and positive spirit that had carried her through four decades in retail and her successful business ownership.

On April 9, 2026, family and friends gathered at the Lantern House in Parker, Colorado, to celebrate Marta's life and legacy. The choice to hold her memorial service in Parker—the community where she had spent the majority of her adult life—reflected the deep connections she had formed there and the lasting impact she had made on the community.

Marta Jo Carmack's life story represents the American dream realized through dedication, kindness, and perseverance. From her humble beginnings in Texas and New Mexico to her successful career and business ownership in Colorado, she exemplified the values of hard work, family devotion, and service to others. Her legacy lives on not only in her children and grandchildren but in the countless lives she touched through her decades of service, her business mentorship, and her simple acts of daily kindness. She will be remembered as a woman who made a difference wherever she went, leaving the world a better place through her warmth, reliability, and unwavering commitment to those she loved.