Mary Louise Carter

She was preceded in death by her father, Arthur Clifford “Tex” Tompkins; her mother, Louise Amanda Tompkins (Sebolt); and her sister, Rosalie Leach (Jim). Although her husband, James William Carter, survived her, he passed away just three weeks later. After nearly 64 years of marriage, they are together once again.

Mary is survived by her children, Kevin Lee Carter, Darrin Keith Carter, and Christine Marie Vissia; her grandchildren, Chris Settle, Matthew L. Carter, Moriah Mary-Ruth Nagelmiller (Eric), Caleb James Vissia, Timothy Royce Vissia, Michael Luke Carter (Stephanie), and David Benjamin Andrew Carter; and her great-granddaughter, Hensley Settle; and sister Margaret Tompkins

Mary was born in Kansas City, Missouri, on September 14, 1942. She grew up in a rural home, where she loved exploring the outdoors and helping her parents in the garden. In letters she left behind, Mary’s mother described her as an inquisitive child with the affectionate nicknames “Boots” and “The Tornado.” She graduated from Raytown High School in 1960 and attended the University of Missouri for two years. A gifted musician, Mary was a classically trained pianist who performed during her college years.

Mary met the love of her life, Jim Carter, while working at his parents’ restaurant. As Jim often recounted, Mary knew what she wanted and was not shy about pursuing him. The two were married on July 28, 1962, beginning a partnership that would span nearly six and a half decades.

A devoted wife and mother, Mary stayed home with her children during their early school years and was deeply involved in their lives. She enthusiastically supported their activities, from sports to scouting. As an active den mother, she also worked alongside Jim to organize and sustain a German-American Scout exchange program for 15 years, helping create lasting friendships and experiences for countless young people. Mary and her husband Jim also offered a Boy Scouts aviation merit badge for the Heart of America Council during the 70s.

Mary worked for many years as an upholsterer at Foam City and later freelanced with Jim, upholstering airplane seats. In a testament to her determination and adaptability, she later transitioned into accounting and completed her career at the Children’s Center for the Visually Impaired (CCVI).

A woman of many talents and interests, Mary was also a licensed pilot. She loved flying with Jim in their small airplane, affectionately named Snoopy. Together they enjoyed numerous flying adventures, including frequent weekend trips to the lake. Mary was a proud member of The Ninety-Nines, the international organization of women pilots.

Mary’s compassion extended to animals, especially dogs. Wanting to improve the lives of shelter animals, she used her sewing skills to create and donate more than 1,000 dog beds to the KC Pet Project.

Throughout her life, Mary had a passion for sewing and quilting. In her later years, she devoted countless hours to creating artistic miniature quilts, many of which she generously gave as gifts. Through her quilt guild, she formed deep and lasting friendships that enriched her life and the lives of those around her.

Mary will be remembered for her creativity, generosity, adventurous spirit, unwavering devotion to her family, and her ability to make meaningful connections wherever she went. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched and in the family she loved so dearly.

A Celebration of Life honoring both Jim and Mary Carter will be held at 6:30 pm on July 20, 2026, at the Raytown Wellness Center, 10301 E. State Route 350, Raytown, Missouri.