Mary Carter

GRANBURY — Mary Elaine Carter, 84, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2015.
Memorial service: 10:00 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015, at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church in Granbury. Inurnment ceremonies will be held in Leavenworth, Kansas at a later date.
Memorials: Catholic Charities or St. Joseph’s Indian School, P.O. Box 300, Chamberlain, SD 57325.
Mary Elaine was born Sept. 24, 1930, to Frances H. “Dutch” and Margaret Harbison Powell. She graduated from high school in Leavenworth, Kansas.
Throughout her childhood and to her delight, Mary tap-danced, eventually performing on a USO tour. Mary met Bernie at a community dance for returning veterans. She married Bernard F. Carter, July 4, 1947, and they celebrated their 65th anniversary. Together they had seven children.
Mary was a homemaker and MOM. In addition to being a mom to her 7, she was known as Mother Mary or Mom Carter to countless others. Her family was Mary’s proudest achievement. Each of her children graduated from university with the majority achieving graduate or doctoral level educations.
Mary’s eyes sparkled the most when she was called Grandma. Grandma Mary “would look at you, meet your eyes, touch your heart and with one honest look, she made sure that you knew you were loved, you were believed in and you were worthwhile, regardless of whether you succeeded or not.”
Mary was an organizer and faithful Christian. Her commitment to the Catholic Church was part of Mary’s love of family. She served in Ladies Guild for many years in each community she and Bernie lived.
Survivors: Daughters, Kathleen Ennis and husband, Rex, of Eminence, Mo., Cynthia Carter of Granbury; sons, Bernard Carter, Jr. and wife, Susie, of Reno, Nev., Dr. Richard Carter and wife, Kristel, of Arlington, Texas, Dr. Jeffrey Carter and wife, Patricia, of Arlington, Texas, Timothy Carter and wife, Elizabeth, of Reno, Nev., Christopher Carter and wife, Taryn, of Prosper, Texas; nineteen grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren; sister, Barbara Sundquist and husband, Jim, of Evergreen, Colo.; brothers, Frances “Bud” Powell of Fort Collins, Colo., Doug Powell of Denver, Colo., and Don Powell of Loveland, Colo.
Wiley Funeral Home
Granbury, 817-573-3000