Toni Etta Carter

Toni Etta (Wills) Carter, 80, peacefully passed away with her family by her side on November 21, 2025, at 6:29 pm in Community Howard Hospital, Kokomo, IN. Often described as “a force to be reckoned with”, she fought her good fight with metastatic breast cancer and its complications for over seven years.

Born in Indianapolis, IN on June 8, 1945, to Gail and Norma (White) Wills, she shared her many creative talents participating in dance, drama club and as Head Majorette in the Ben Davis High School Giants Marching Band. It was also here that she met the love of her life, Larry, her “Tarzan”.

Pursuing her passion for Business Education, she attended Indiana University and Ball State University where she earned her Bachelor of Science Degree and was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority. After graduation, she worked at Eli Lilly, IBM and eventually was a teacher at Lawrence Central High School while also attending Butler University in order to work on her master’s degree.

After dating for 8 years, she married Dr. Arnold “Larry” Carter on June 29, 1968 (which happens to numerically align with the time of her death). They lived in Oceanside, CA for several years before putting down their roots in the community of Muncie, IN.

Toni had many different leadership and career roles throughout her life in Muncie. She was an active member of Hazelwood Christian Church where she served as an Elder, Deacon, board member and led many committees including her participation with the Christian Women’s Fellowship, Bible School, Sunday School and church activities. She enjoyed participating in the Ball Memorial Women’s Medical Auxiliary, Muncie Cotillion Board, Catalina Swim Club, Oceanus Swim Club, Tri Kappa Service Sorority, and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. She even continued her dancing career with several of her friends taking tap lessons at Cole Academy of Dance.

Being a social butterfly, she enjoyed working as the Assistant Manager of Pruis Hall at Ball State University, planning and scheduling activities for staff and students. As a mall walker and avid shopper, she was recruited to work at Hallmark in the Muncie Mall as a hobby for many years. At this point, her most prized role was being a devoted mother for her three daughters and their friends. She was usually room mother for their classrooms, planned the best parties and celebrations, and was a taxi driver for whoever needed a ride to swim practice, ball games, dance lessons and church. The only role she excelled at more than Mom, was being “Grandma Toni” to her 13 Grandkids and their friends! She moved to Kokomo, IN to be closer to all of them after Larry passed away after cherishing 46 years of marriage.

She loved the LORD, people, Coca-Cola, Hallmark everything, the Pacers, all her kids’ and grandkids’ activities, Oreos, mints, Tootsie Pops, ice cream, shopping for a good deal, “Euchre Club”, Yahtzee, JTV, the Casino, Vera Bradley and LIFE in general. Her curiosity about others often led to extensive conversations with complete strangers who left her as friends. She was the Ultimate Caregiver and taught empathy to all who were blessed to know her. Her vivacious spirit, Pepsodent’ smile, positive energy, amazing hugs, and fierce love of those in her life will be missed. She was FUN on steroids.

She is survived by her three daughters and their families, Michelle Carter and children, Garrett & Gabriella; Erin & Douglas Townsend and children, Carter, Chandler, Chloe, Carmynne Ciscell and Sloane, Emerson, Reilly Townsend; Natalie & Cesar Castillo and children, Ashton, Liam, Hudson and Charlotte. She is also survived by her Sisters-in-Law, Janet Carter, Mary Ellen Wills, Linda Carter & Brenda Carter; and her Brothers-in-Law, Bil Carter & Thomas Gilmore as well as many loved Nieces and Nephews and special friends who are like family!

She is preceded in death by her Parents; Husband; son, Matthew; In-Laws, Ola & Mary Carter; sister, Anita Gilmore; brother, Neal Wills; and brother-in-law, David Carter as well as many beloved friends.

Visitation will be held Friday, November 28th from 1 PM to 3PM, with a Celebration of Life beginning at 3PM at Hazelwood Christian Church, 1400 W University, Muncie, IN. A private burial will take place Saturday, November 29th at Elm Ridge Cemetery.

Please consider donations in lieu of flowers to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Susan B Komen Breast Cancer Society, Hazelwood Christian Church or your local homeless shelter.