FARMINGTON – Martha S. Cleaveland, 88, of Farmington died at home in the loving arms of her children Monday, Aug. 7.

She was born Feb. 22, 1918, in Washington, D.C., the daughter of Robert A. and Lillian F. (Thorn) Sauls. She graduated from Western High School in Washington.

She married Henry Cleaveland in 1950, and he died in June 2006.

Martha worked as a secretary throughout her life, starting at the Maritime Commission and at the Gas and Electric Co. in Washington, D.C., then for many years at the Stony Brook Community Church in New York, and then until retirement at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Farmington.

She was a lifelong church member, principally at the Stony Brook Church and at the New Sharon and Farmington United Methodist churches.

She enjoyed volunteering at the New Sharon Public Library. Martha devoted the major part of her adult life to helping families affected by alcoholism. Her family will miss her generosity of spirit and her willingness to work quietly in the background.

Survivors include a daughter, Betsy Robbins and her husband, David, of Farmington; two sons, Folger Cleaveland of New Bedford, Mass., and Robert Cleaveland of Thomaston; four grandchildren, Tirzah L. Lavoie and her husband, David, of Farmington, and Hannah, Carlah, and Henry, all of Farmington; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, Hank, of 55 years; two brothers, Spencer and Clinton Sauls; and a sister, Frances Anderson.