Mary C. Kias

Mary Carter Kias, 102, of Terre Haute, passed away on Thursday, February 2, 2017 at Harrison’s Crossings Health Campus. She was born on June 7, 1914, in Carbondale, IL, the youngest of eleven children born to William Grant and Charlotte Eva (Carlton) Carter. She married Thomas Nelson Kias in 1939.

Mary is survived by her children, Thomas Nelson Kias, Jr. (wife, Janet) of Athens, GA, Jean Mausel (late husband, Paul) of Terre Haute, Suzanne McCafferty (husband, Ronald) of Clarksville, TN; grandchildren, Brandon Mausel (Jennifer), Catherine Herrin (Tim), Justin Mausel (Farahnaaz), Mary Elizabeth Craig (Patrick), Andrew Kias (Treasha), and Allison Hill (Pablo Perea); nine great-grandsons, 4 great-granddaughters, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, six sisters, four brothers, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Mary grew up in Carbondale, IL and attended Allen Training School, University High School, and graduated from Southern Illinois Normal University in 1936. She and her husband, Nelson were both teachers. Mary taught in several places, including Midlothian Elementary School and Blue Island Eisenhower High School. After retiring, Mary and Nelson moved to Boca Raton, FL. During her time in Florida, Mary was a member of St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church, a garden club, dance club, and several bridge clubs. She and her husband loved to travel, and they visited many places all over the world. Mary moved to Terre Haute at the age of 92, to be near her daughter, Jean, and grandchildren. She made many friends at Sycamore Manor, enjoyed Indianapolis Colts football, and attended St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church.

Mary’s family would like to thank the staff of both Sycamore Manor and Harrison’s Crossing for their kind and compassionate care.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 11 at Huffman-Harker Funeral Home in Carbondale, IL. Visitation will take place from noon until the time of services. Mary will be laid to rest with her husband in Oakland Cemetery, Carbondale. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with Mary’s family at www.roselawnfuneralhome.net