Mary Dellinger Carnes

Mary Dellinger Pfluger Carnes danced through the Pearly Gates on March 6, 2016 in San Angelo, Texas. Mary came into this world on February 23, 1918 and was the only child of E. B. (Dick) Dellinger and Mattie Stephenson Dellinger. The family moved to Dallas, Texas when Mary was young and resided there until the untimely death of her father in 1927. Mary and her mother moved to Santa Anna, Texas to live with her grandmother. She continued school and was a part of Santa Anna’s 1936 graduating class. In 1939, Mary entered the Shannon School of Nursing in San Angelo, Texas. She became a Registered Nurse and worked many years as a private duty nurse. During WWII, Mary served her country by moving to Moorhead, Minnesota and worked in the capacity of a civilian nurse at the College Training Detachment. After moving back to Texas, Mary continued her career and became a nursing supervisor in hospitals, office nurse and supervisor of nursing in Public Health. At age 60, Mary decided to retire and marry Carl R. Pfluger. They made their home in Eden, Texas and she remained there a few more years after his death in 1986. Mary then moved back to San Angelo and married an old friend, Wallace R. Carnes, in 1990. Although she retired from nursing, Mary remained involved in many organizations. She thoroughly enjoyed volunteering for both West Texas Rehabilitation Center and Shannon Medical Center. She was an active member of the Shannon Alumni Association since 1942. For over 40 years Mary was a member of the beloved Thursday Club. She was also a member of the Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO) and a former member of the La Paloma and Terpsichorean Dance Clubs. For most of her life, Mary was a member of the First Christian Church and a long time member of the Henson Class. Mary leaves behind one son, Mark Behrend of Redwood City, California, and two stepsons, Bill Pfluger and family and Lee Pfluger and family of San Angelo, Texas. Mary’s legacy lives on through the lives she touched.

A memorial service will be on Saturday, March 12 at 1 pm at First Christian Church. The family will greet friends in the church parlor following the service. Arrangements are under the direction of Johnson’s Funeral Home.

The family is most grateful for the excellent care of Gretal Evans of Gentiva Hospice and the loving service of her caretakers Anna Garza, Mercedes Garza, Erika Villarreal, Bonnie Chapman, Marta Rose, Mabel Kelly and Miranda Castillo.

Memorials may be sent to First Christian Church or charity of your choice.

Family and friends may sign the online register book at johnsons-funeralhome.com.

“Because the road was steep and long,

and through a dark and lonely land,

God set upon my lips a song

And put a lantern in my hand.”

-Joyce Kilmer