Mary Ellen Carpenter, 100, passed away Sept. 7, 2025, at Medicalodges of Great Bend, Kan. She was born on Sept. 17, 1924, in Burbank, Calif., to Paul Dean and Heloise (Doane) Chance. During her growing up years, her residence shifted from California to Kansas. She graduated from Burbank High School. Moving back to Kansas, she met and married Robert B. Carpenter on May 13, 1950, in Wichita, Kan.

After spending 64 years on the Greenwood County farm she shared with her husband, Mary became a resident of rural Stafford County. She was a member of Hamilton United Methodist Church, White Rose Chapter #297 of Eastern Star and Madison Star #350 Order of Eastern Star. Mary enjoyed being a farmer’s wife, drawing, and spending time with her family.

Survivors include two sons, Bill Carpenter and wife Linda of St. John, and Cary Carpenter and wife Sandy of Hamilton; seven grandchildren, Sarah Lynch and husband Ryan of Andover, Aaron Carpenter and wife Raynell of Norton, Michael Carpenter and wife Jordan of Stockton, Joel Carpenter and wife Deb of Iola, Rachel Morgan and husband Alex of Wichita, Hilary Wiley and husband Darren of Dennis, and Adrianne Gibson and husband Chad of Eureka; 21 great grandchildren; and numerous loved ones. She is preceded in death by her husband in 2014; her parents; and her brother, Ronald Chance.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at Hamilton United Methodist Church, Hamilton. Private inurnment will take place at a later time. Memorials have been designated to the Hamilton United Methodist Church, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS  67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Sept. 11, 2025