Michael Will Carlton

"To thine own self be true."

Words he truly lived by.

Michael Will Carlton of Chagrin Falls, Ohio passed away peacefully on May 21, 2026, at the age of 89.

Mike was a beloved fixture in the Chagrin Falls and Greater Cleveland community. He graduated from Chagrin Falls High School in 1954, where his yearbook noted, "No gathering is complete without his witty comments." He went on to attend the University of Delaware and discovered Rehoboth Beach, Delaware—a place he would frequent with his growing family starting in the 1970s, a tradition that continues to this day. Upon graduating, he served in the

U.S. Army, enlisting as a lieutenant in 1958.

From there, he launched a successful career in advertising. He was fortunate to meet his wife, Ruth, in an advertising class in Cleveland—a story made in heaven. Like most young couples of their time, they envisioned an idyllic family with one boy and one girl. But God had different plans. They adopted their first child, David, who tragically passed away from leukemia at a young age. In that moment of profound loss, they decided to fill their household with love and joy: eight children, a boy from Guatemala (Oscar), many dogs and cats, and two foster children (Linetta and Elaine).

Mike worked his way up from the mailroom at Carr Liggett, a large Cleveland advertising agency, eventually becoming Executive Vice President and part owner. In 1987, he made the bold decision to venture out on his own—without a clear plan, but with unwavering confidence in God and himself that everything would work out. And it did.

He was a widely recognized presence in Chagrin Falls, having purchased the home at 42 East Orange Street with Ruth in 1962. You could see him at Chagrin Falls Township meetings, attending services at the Federated Church, volunteering at the Chagrin History Center, and engaging warmly with neighbors and strangers alike around town.

Mike's life was guided by simple anchors: raising a loving family, sharing his wisdom through stories, and taking genuine interest in others. He was endlessly curious about the world, as evidenced by his appetite for history books and documentaries. He believed in giving his time and sharing his wisdom while holding fast to the conviction that every person has value—regardless of background, color, or limitations. He always greeted everyone with a warm smile and a sincere hello.

Mike is preceded in death by:

His parents, Will and Emiah Carlton; his sisters, Jane and Peg; his beloved wife, Ruth Marie Long Carlton; and his son, David.

And survived by:

Andrew (Beth) Carlton, Matthew (Nancy) Carlton, James Carlton, Sarah Carlton, Ann (Mark) Ramsey, Daniel (Jenn) Carlton, Jennifer Carlton, Linetta DeMoss, and Oscar (Elena) Elias Sotomayor; 16 grandchildren; and 2 great-grandchildren.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Mike 11:00 AM July 31, 2026 at The Federated Church 76 Bell St. Chagrin Falls, OH. This will give the family time to set up travel for out of town family.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider making a donation to the Collie rescue in honor of our Dad. https://tristatecollierescue.org/

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michael Will Carlton, please visit our floral store.