Mary E. (Taylor) Carter, 87, passed away March 14, 2018 at Heartwood House, Northcrest Community, in Ames. A celebration of life will be Saturday, June 2, 9-11 AM in the Hunziker House at Reiman Gardens, Ames.

Mary Elizabeth Taylor was born March 23, 1930 to Reuben (Joe) and Mildred Taylor in Ames, Iowa. She graduated from Ames High School in 1948; Iowa State University (Bachelor of Science) in 1968, and Drake University (Masters in Education) in 1981. She and George L. Carter were married in 1951 in Ames.

All who have known Mary say, “She was beautiful inside and out.” Mary worked as a teacher and consultant for the Heartland Area Education Agency, serving preschool-age special-needs children, their parents, and their teachers for 16 years. She was a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority, Mary Greeley Hospital Auxiliary, and PEO. Mary loved being outdoors, especially when gardening or hiking, as well as being with her family and connecting with her lifelong friends. She enjoyed traveling, reading, listening to music, cooking, sewing, creating jewelry, and canning jam. Mary and George retired to the coast of Oregon and lived in Gold Beach, Ore. and Tucson, Ariz.

She is survived by her children, Steve (Kathy) Carter of Ames, Lori Carter of Santa Rosa, Calif., Kate Carter of Des Moines, Todd (Erin) Carter of Bothell, Wash.; 11 grandchildren, Matt (Andrea) Carter, Alex (Angela) Carter, Sarah (Aaron) Shaffer, Rachael (Jonathan) Maves; Saul (Alicia) Stafford, Abigail (Ryan) Delasasse, Daniel (Shontae) Carter, Anna Frederick, Ryan Carter, Julianne Carter, and Kristen Carter; 12 great-grandchildren; her brother, Bob Taylor of Ames; and her nephews, John Taylor, Jeff (Shelley) Taylor, David Moll, and Daniel (Cathy) Moll.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; husband; sister-in-law, Rosemary Taylor; sister-in-law, Ginny Moll; and grandson, Joseph Frederick.

Memorials may be made to YSS (Youth & Shelter Services); yss.org. Adams Funeral Home in Ames is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left at adamssoderstrum.com

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