Travis Funeral Chapel

Mary A. Carter, age 83, of La Plata, Missouri, passed away Thursday, October 29, 2026, at her home.

Born in Milan, Missouri, the daughter of William and Annie (Hope) McCaughey. On September 5, 1981, in Unionville, Missouri, she was united in marriage to Raymond Carter who preceded her in death on August 25, 2024.

Also preceding her in death were her parents; two brothers, Tom and Bob McCaughey; and two sisters, Della Holliday and Cathy Burgess.

Surviving are five sons, John (Kathy) Carman of Adel, Iowa, Bill (Mary) Carman of Oskaloosa, Iowa, David Carman of Harve, Montana, Kevin Carter of La Plata, Missouri, and Ray Carter of Overland Park, Kansas; two daughters, Sheryl (Robin) Ferguson of La Plata, Missouri and Donna (Chip) Watson of West Branch, Iowa; two brothers, Larry Dean McCaughey and Billy Ray (Teresa) McCaughey, both of Milan, Missouri; one sister, Betty Ann Dudley of Knoxville, Iowa; nine grandchildren, Britney, Shaylee, Layla, Gabe, Matt, Brad, Karen, Jason and Kristina; eleven great grandchildren, Ellie, Paige, Gracie, Sarah, Asher, Jackson, Hunter, Zoey, Christopher, Peyton, Aliyah, and Leonidas; and two great-great-granddaughters, Jolene and Layla.

Mary worked as a homemaker, a waitress, and most importantly to her children, a mom. Mary was a loving and caring wife and mother. She and Raymond did their best to blend their families. Mary never stopped being a mom. Up to her final hours, she was making sure everyone had something to eat, a place to sleep, and clean clothes. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were all special to her, and the girls next door made the sun come out for her. Anyone who knew Mary loved her and she loved them back.

Mary will be greatly missed, but it’s comforting to know that her and Raymond are back together again.

Graveside services will be 1:00 p.m. Thursday, November 12, 2026, at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville, Missouri.

Memorials in memory of Mary may be made to NEMO Senior Citizens Inc., for mobile meals. They may be sent to or left at Travis Funeral Chapel, 125 S. Church St., La Plata, Missouri 63549.