Mary Lou Carter

Mary Lou Carter, daughter of Russell James Paris and Marie Snow, was born December 10, 1945 in Wichita, Kansas at St. Francis Hospital. She departed this life Saturday, December 2, 2023 at Lake Regional Hospital at the age of seventy-seven years, eleven months and twenty-two days.

On December 8, 1978 Mary was united in marriage to Larry LeRoy Carter. They met while working together at Newell Truck Stop in Newton, Kansas and he wouldn’t marry her until he received permission from each of her daughters, which he did, and they eventually shared 34 years of marriage together.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her AWESOME husband Larry; a granddaughter, Breanna Franklin; and her siblings, Katherine Kissling, James, Larry, and Gary Paris, Shirley Moler and Sheryl Escareno.

Mary is survived by her daughters, Monica Long and husband Ken, of Osage Beach, Missouri, Tammy Franklin of Lebanon, Missouri, Vickie Sue Goldsberry of Camdenton, Missouri, and Stacy Jo “Princess” Taylor and husband Tim, of the State of Mississippi; her grandchildren, Stuart Carter and wife Christy, KC Long and wife Annie, Sheena White and husband Ryan, Shandra Franklin, Matthew Franklin, C.J. Franklin and wife Koti, Daniel Kirk, Mariah Schmidt and husband Eli, Katie Keeney and husband Kyle, Kileigh McGillivray and Baileigh McGillivray; her great-grandchildren, Wyatt and Jack Carter, Brandon, Skyler, Sasha and CheyAnne Long, Rian White, Kase and Kole Powell, Walker Schmidt, Wade Dean Schmidt, and Kashton Keeney; her sister, Sherry Baldwin, of Wichita, Kansas; sisters-in-law, Connie Carter, Bobbi Paris and Dora Carter; brothers-in-law, Charlie Carter, Michael Escareno and Terry Carter and wife Margaret; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and many friends.

Mary grew up in Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas. She spent most of her younger years in Kansas and moved to Stoutland, Missouri in 1983. She would later move to Linn Creek, Missouri to make her home, the property that both Larry and Mary had so much pride and joy in, from yard work to family gatherings. Family was their life. Holiday gatherings were “required”, and the kids and grandkids were spoiled with love – including games and non-stop playing outside!

Mary worked at Electrovert and volunteered at the Child Advocacy Thrift Store for many years until her retirement.

In her spare time, Mary enjoyed fishing, quilting, crafts, eating catfish and drinking Pepsi. She had an affection for playing bingo and lottery scratchers. Hallmark channel, game channel and sports were her daily entertainment.

She loved her grandchildren dearly.

Mary was a loving mother, grandmother, sister and aunt and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate her life and accomplishments and will treasure the many wonderful memories she has created for her family and friends. Many memories have been captured in photographs.

In leu of flowers, condolences can be sent to Stacy Jo Taylor at PO Box 309, Mooreville, MS 38857. A memorial has been established for Mom and Dad that will be revealed in 2024 for all visitors at Lake of the Ozarks, Osage Beach, MO