ELLINWOOD — Mary L. Herter, 83, passed away April 26, 2026 after a nine month courageous battle with cancer. Born April 29, 1943 in Dresden, Me. she was the daughter of Otis L. and Evelyn (Lamarre) Carver. She worked at several different jobs Parts Store, Laundry Mat, Shoe Factory, waitressing, and housekeeping among others. Mary moved from Arizona to Ellinwood in May 1995 where she worked for and helped her sister, Melody open a restaurant “Taste of Country.” That is where she met future spouse Howard Herter. They were married Nov. 21, 1998.

She is survived by her spouse; son, Danny; and daughter Julie; four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; brothers, Ron Carver, Arizona and Ted Carver, Maine/Florida; twin sisters, Donna, Maine and Doreen, Pennsylvania. Other survivors include many nieces and nephews. Mary was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Bruce and Junior Carver; and sisters, Martha, Gladys, Pearl, and Melody.

Private inurnment will take place Saturday, May 9th at Lakin-Comanche Cemetery followed by a come and go Celebration of Life from 4-7 p.m. at Knop Event Center, 305 E. Santa Fe, Ellinwood. Visitation will take place Friday, May 8th at Minnis Chapel from 1-7 p.m. with family receiving friends from 6-7 p.m. Memorials are suggested to Ellinwood EMS or St. Judes Children’s Hospital in care of Minnis Chapel, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS. Condolences may be left at www.minnischapel.org.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Minnis Chapel

P.O. Box 246

Ellinwood, KS 67526

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, April 30, 2026