Graveside services for Mary Katherine “Kathy” Carter, 71, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August15, 2026, at Howell Valley Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.

Mrs. Carter passed away at 4:49 a.m., Monday, August 3, 2026 at West Vue Nursing Center.

She was born September 27, 1954 at Springfield, Missouri, to Katherine Price and Nolan Bussell. On June 4, 1971, she was married at Koshkonong, Missouri, to Larry Carter. Kathy was the Kitchen Manager at West Plains Middle School for twenty-eight years. She enjoyed working in her flower garden and when she was not gardening in her yard, she loved cooking for her family. Kathy’s family was her top priority; she lived for her kids and grandkids. Mrs. Carter was a member of the First Baptist Church of West Plains for many years where she was a member of the Connections Class.

She is survived by her husband, Larry Carter; two children, Greg Carter and Larry Carter, Jr.; daughter-in-law, Julie Durkee; two grandchildren, Levi Carter and wife, Emma and Jacy Miller and husband, Kody; two great-grandchildren, Sadie and Josie Carter; two sisters, Becky Harris and husband, Tom and Kelly Schaeffer and husband, Thomas; one brother-in-law, Ron Robinson and wife, Diane; three nephews, Chris Harris, Steven Hackworth and Matthew Schaeffer; and one niece, Michaela Robertson.

Her parents, one infant brother, Michael and one sister, Kimberly Bussell, preceded her in death.

Memorial contributions may be made to Howell Valley Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.