Vera Carter, age 83, of Broadus passed away May 21, 2015 at the Powder River Manor.
Vera Marie Mace Carter was born in Ranch Creek, Montana on the Wyoming/Montana line on May 4, 1932 to Vera Woods Mace and Lloyd Mace. She was the 6th child and the 5th girl in the family of 10 children. Vera was born in the log cabin home with a midwife present.
Vera was called “Pong” by her family because her grandmother Mace said she looked like a Chinese baby. She only weighed about 4 pounds and had lots of black hair so was dubbed Ping Pong. She was proud of her Native American Heritage. Her father was an enrolled member of the Sisseton Wahpeton Sioux tribe. She enjoyed a childhood of playing and exploring on the ranch and rode horseback to the Ranch Creek School for 6 years with her siblings. She went to Spearfish several times a year to visit her Grandparents. Vera moved to Miles City in 1944 with her family after her father passed away. She was a resident of Powder River County except for the 8 years of living in Custer County. She graduated from Custer County High School in 1950. She married Charles Carter in October of 1952 in Miles City, MT. As a ranch wife back in Powder River County, she was active as a partner on the ranch. She helped with the livestock, farming, haying, and general ranch work in addition to cooking and keeping the home. Vera was busy through the years of raising her family as she cooked three big meals a day and baked the best pies, which can’t be reproduced because she didn’t use a recipe. It wasn’t unusual to have company drop by at meal times. Charles and Vera enjoyed square dancing and country dances together. Two of her favorite things to do were checking water wells and putting salt out for the cows in the summer and working in the lambing shed in the spring. She and Charles were honored as Ag. Couple of the Year for Powder River County in 2011.
Vera was involved in community activities. She was a 4-H leader for many years at the county level and was on the State 4-H board for 6 years. She chaperoned a state 4-H trip to Washington D.C. during this time. She was one of the community members that helped get the Community Center in Broadus started.
Vera was also active in Extension Clubs and the Coalwood Ladies Aid. She was on the Powder River County Fair Board for two terms. She and Charles were also Fair Book Honorees. She was also on the Council of Aging for several years helping in that area of life. Vera enjoyed bowling for over 30 years. She went to State Bowling Tournaments ten times and enjoyed the camaraderie of her bowling friends. She also volunteered at the Museum for over 20 years and at St. Vincent Thrift Store in Broadus for many years.
Vera was active in the Congregational Church in Broadus and the Coalwood Community Church. She belonged to the Volborg Bible Study group for many years. Family was important to Vera. She was a strong supporter of her children and grandchildren in 4-H and school activities. She enjoyed nieces and nephews and other relatives who spent many summers and holidays with the family. She was inquisitive and enjoyed people and learning about their lives. She never missed a birthday card to a niece or nephew.
Education was important, and Vera and Charles were happy that they could provide support for their children to attend college without student loans.
She is preceded in death by parents Vera and Lloyd, sisters Jeanne Holst, Mary Ann Irion, Patsy Magnesen; brothers Dan Mace, Ray Mace and Max Mace; daughter-in-law Kris Budde Carter and sisters and brothers in law.
Vera is survived by her husband Charles of 62 ½ years, children Scott (Cindy), Cindy (Dave) Burris, Ginger (Craig) Bundy and Lisa (Dan) Lynch; 8 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; 3 step grandchildren and 4 step great grandchildren; sisters Peg, Katherine, Frances; sister-in-law Beth; brother-in-law Allen and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to Powder River County Museum, the Broadus Library or the donor’s personal choice.
Thanks to all that visited her in the hospital and nursing home. She so enjoyed her company of all ages.
Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. Monday, May 25, 2015 at the Powder River Congregation Church in Broadus with a prayer service at 3:30 p.m. Family will receive friends from 4p.m. to 6p.m. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Faith Bible Church in Broadus. Private family interment will be held in the Valley View Cemetery in Broadus. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Broadus is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 3:30 p.m.
Monday May 25, 2015
Powder River Congregational Church
Broadus, MT
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 3:30 p.m.
Monday May 25, 2015
Powder River Congregational Church
Broadus, MT
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Kent & Gwen Gunther and family says
Such a grand lady, she will be missed by many. Our thoughts & prayers are with your family.
Carol Schneidt says
Charles and family, Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you! Vera was a good friend and a great lady!
Deb (Moths) Schmeling says
Dear Carter Family,
Just remember all the memories. May God wrap his comforting arms around each one of you with His Love and Peace. She will be greatly missed by all those who loved her.
Sally Borla says
TO THE CARTER FAMILY–I JUST HEARD ABOUT THE LOSS OF DEAR VERA–SHE WAS ALWAYS
SO KIND AND FRIENDLY WITH A LOVELY SMILE. SHE WILL BE MISSED A LOT AND MY PRAYERS TO OUT TO HER WONDERFUL LOVING FAMILY. GOD BLESS.
Martha Crandall says
Sorry to hear about Pong. My sympathy.
Dee & Linda (Abbott) Black says
To all of the Carter family..we are so very sorry about the loss of Vera. Such a wonderful lady! We cherish wonderful memories as friends and neighbors. She will be missed by many. Our prayers go out to all of her family for God’s comfort and peace. Our loving sympathy.
Buford and Phyllis says
Charles and Family so sorry to hear of Vera’s passing, she was always so cheerful,will be missed by many.
Mary Jane Rogge says
Some of my fondest memories of Vera go way back to high school wrestling. She was more fun to watch than the matches. Vera was always so full of life and sunshine. Will miss her smiling face. My prayers go out to the whole Carter family. I hope the wonderful memories you all have will carry you through the hard times. It is so hard to lose your wife and mother. God bless.
Larry and Dawn Draine says
Vera was always so friendly. She was always thinking of others. She will be missed. Sympathy is extended to the whole family.
Tom and Lillian Ostendorf says
Vera was a very special lady, friend, and neighbor. We will always remember her with fondness and miss her too. Heaven gained another angel today. Our prayers and hugs for you at this difficult time.
Jake and Michelle Dauenhauer says
Carter family- we are so sorry to hear about your loss. Vera was such a kind and friendly lady. She never once failed to ask after our whole family every time we saw her. She will be missed. Your family is in our prayers.
Marie Farrar says
I will miss Vera. She was always so helpful and friendly. My heart goes out to her family. She was a great lady. She will be missed.
Kirk and Ann (Schneidt) Will says
Charles and family – Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Vera was a wonderful lady who was kind and loving to all who knew her. She always met me and anyone in my family with a kind word or her beautiful smile. Vera will be missed by many. May your memories warm your hearts every time you think of her. I pray that God wrap you all in his arms and comfort you now and in the days to come .
Kathy Heidel says
I’ll sure miss visiting with Vera. She never failed to ask about my mom and my kids. A wonderful lady. Prayers for Charles and the family.
Wanda Gresens says
Ginger and Charles sorry to hear about Vera . My prayer are with you.she was such a sweet lady and always so pretty. My mom and her will have a lot of visiting to do.
Zane Howe Sr. says
Many thoughts and prayers for the family and friends of Pong. May she rest in peace and dance in Heaven.
Sonja Harrington says
Vera was always so kind. Always asking about someone in the family. We are sorry for your loss.
William Collons says
To the Carter and Lynch Families:
So sorry for the loss of Vera. She was a pillar of the community and made every life she touched just a little better. She will be missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Elaine Smith says
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. I have such found memories of Vera, such a wonderful lady.
Karen Gunther says
I am thinking and praying for Vera’s family, she was a wonderful lady and will be missed by all of us. you will have many memories to remember.
Rick & Dee Abbott says
Dear Charles and all others in the Carter family….we are so very saddened over the loss of Vera. She was a wonderful & cheerful lady!
I will always cherish the wonderful memories of the many visits between our families when we were neighbors in the South Country. There were so many country dances – and Vera LOVED each one!
Vera will be greatly missed by every one that knew her. Each of you have our prayers for God’s sweet comfort and peace.
Bonnie Russiff Schott says
To all the Carter family… my thoughts and prayers are with you now- as others have said, she will be greatly missed. I have so many, many wonderful memories of Vera. She was a terrific person and so special to so many of us. Take care all of you and may God bless you and keep you close in His loving care.
Julie Emmons Korkow says
Charles, Lisa and Carter family: I grew up with Lisa on the Mizpah and Vera was always a part of my life. What a wonderful woman she was. May you all treasure the memories you have of her. I see a little part of her in all of you. Her kindness, ambition, creativity……it is instilled in each of you. God Bless!
Randy and Cynde Trucano says
Carter Family…My mom and I bowled with Vera for many years. We really enjoyed her and had lots of laughs. I visited her a week ago in the nursing home. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Connie and Jesse Barnhart says
She was a wonderful woman who blessed many lives with her presence and her example. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Deb Bartholomew says
To All the Carter Family: I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of Vera. What a great Lady! Always remember “When A Loved One Becomes A Memory That Memory Becomes A Treasure”. Vera was a Treasure to everyone who knew her. She will always be a Treasure in your hearts and never forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Wayne & Anita Wetherelt says
Our sincere sympathy to all of the family.
With thoughts & Prayers to all of you.
Tom & Ann Emmons says
You are in thoughts and prayers. Vera was a bubbly happy person and it was a joy to visit with her. God Bless.
Don and Mary Margaret Klang says
We send our heartfelt sympathy while wishing each of you comfort while remembering and celebrating Vera’s life. Ginger, we will always remember Vera’s friendly smile when Eric so proudly first introduced us to his Grandma and Grandpa.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Don and Frances Bartholomew says
We send our deepest condolences to you and your family.
Aaron Mollie Robert and Michael Phipps says
There are no words, and then there are so many. As I read the memories of Vera’s life, I realized that there wasn’t a time when she wasn’t “living” and that makes the tears stream down my face, as we will miss her here on Earth. Heaven did gain an angel, she will be remembered by so many people who love her. She was thoughtful and kind. I will think of her every Christmas when I get out the cardinal table cloth that she made for us for a wedding present. Our love to the family during this difficult time of grief. May the love of the Lord wrap you in comfort and time ease the aches in all the many hearts who love her!
Ray and Sandy Smith says
Our heartfelt sympathy to Vera’s family. Always so enjoyed visiting with Vera.
Dottie Johnstone says
So sorry to hear this. Prayers for all the family, very nice person.
Tammy Pecha says
So sorry for your loss.
Sandy and Ric Rabe says
Carter family, I am so sorry to hear about your wife and mother. Our prayers are with you!
Melody (Wetherelt) Hanzlik says
So sorry for your loss. Thinking of all of the Carter family at this time.
Jo Jurica says
Powder River County has lost a wonderful lady. Always cheerful Vera was a joy to be around. Prayers for family and friends as they say goodbye.
Skin amd Betty Collins says
Charles and family, we are so saddened to hear of Vera’s passing. She was such a loving and compassionate person. Know you will all miss her greatly but have beautiful memories that will be with you always. We always loved to visit with Vera and Charles whenever we met up with each other. The community has lost a grand lady. Rest in peace Vera.
Patti (Green) Ireland says
Our condolences to the Carter family. We pray that the Lord will give you comfort.
Patti, for Clifford and Lyla Green
Veda Cathey Hurst says
So sorry for your loss. She was a fine, funny lady. She will be so missed. My prayers and thoughts are with the family.
Linda Clements Hall says
My Mom has lost one of her childhood friends and family friend for so many years. Charles and Vera have always been so supportive of their community and Broadus. they have both touched a lot of lives. Vera sincerely was interested in how you and your family were. I personally have been so thankful for Vera and her family’s friendship. My thoughts are with the whole family. I know she will be with all of you in your memories.
Robert and Carla DeHaan says
Dear Charles and family,
How very sad to hear this news. Vera was one of my first friends when we moved out to the Mizpah area. She was truly a wonderful lady. God Bless you all.
Carmen and Brad Knutson says
Charles and Family, So very sorry for your loss. Our deepest sympathy to all. I will sure miss Vera at the Council on Aging meetings. I will always remember her wonderful smile!!
Pam (Moths) Nisley & Dave Nisley says
From my earliest memory, our family and the Carters were friends. Such warm memories I have of many gatherings and meals with them. Charles and Vera’s place was always “the happening place” – always folks stopping in, and they were always ready to lend a hand to anyone in need. I agree with all the above comments, her warm smile, gregarious laughter, and passion for her family and community. Such a void is felt, and yet we know because of her faith in Christ, she is safe in Our Saviors arms – what comfort for us all! Much love to each of her many loved ones – we are lifting you in prayer~
TJ Cape says
Cindy & family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I’m thinking of you. TJ
Dallas J & Family says
Carter Family, Sorry to hear of your loss, our thoughts are with you. Take Care, DJ
Rebecca McEuen says
“…he shall gather the lambs with his arms and carry them in his bosom, and will gently lead those that are with young. ” (Isaiah 41: 40-41). Vera was a shepherd: a shepherd for both her flock and those around her. Vera was kindness that embraces all life. To the family: Vera is in all of you…you see it often in each one of you.his is Vera. Bless you all with the Grace of God.
Floyd Huckins says
Charles, Scott, Cindy, Ginger, Lisa, and all of Vera’s family;
Southeastern Montana has lost a lady who stood for everything right and good. Vera led by example and never compromised what she believed in. Everyone who knew Vera is the better for it. I will miss her; she was always in the middle of whatever needed done. My thoughts are with you all.
Floyd
Gaylene & Tim Fortner says
Carter Family,
We have such fond memories of Vera. We remember her as a great 4-H leader, a lady who always helped the community and who was always friendly.
Tim & Gaylene
Jack and Clare says
So sorry to hear of Vera’s passing. She leaves wonderful memories. Love Jack and Clare
Cathy & Joe Donnelly says
Charles & family: I was sorry hear of Vera’s passing. She was such a strong lady as I remember her and Mom being in the hospital several times together this year. It is so very hard to see them go eventhough we know they were ready and will be suffering no longer.
Our family and the Carters were friends since forever it seems. Charles and Vera were always at every birthday/anniversary party that was given for our parents. True friends.
Take care of each other and treasure your memories thru tears and smiles and laughter.
She was a dandy!! 🙂
Ron & Barbara Hunziker says
Thinking of everyone. We will miss Aunt Pong so much. Have lots of good memories.
Betty Kiser (Glen) says
I am so sad to hear of Vera’s passing. She was a great lady.
Colleen Mork Yahyaoui says
Cindy and Family, I was sorry to hear about your Mom. I remember visiting your ranch long ago when we were in college, and your Mom was so warm and welcoming! I loved seeing your place and feeling so at home with your family. She was a great cook too! Prayers for God’s Comfort and Peace now and in the days to come. XOXOXOX
Roger and Lana Janssen says
So sorry to hear about Vera. I will always remember her smile and attitude. The most fond memory is at the Coalwood School house when Ladies Aid had a wedding shower for Diane and myself. It was truly special.
Darlene (Flanigan) Songer says
Sorry to hear of your loss of Vera. I have many fond memories of her as we grew up. She was a very giving person. Prayers to you all!
Tyler Krutzfeldt says
I always knew if I gotin really bad trouble I could head up the creek to the Carter’s; a truly beautiful woman in every sense and a fine example of a loving wife and neighbor; purely Montanan.
Sue Ann Heidel Leininger says
We are thinking of each of you and will remember Vera as the vibrant, generous, engaging, kind person (who could outwork anyone) that she was. She has made every corner of her world a much brighter place. ….Lucky us who were fortunate enough to catch a ray of her sunshine along the way.
Carolyn Heidel Johnson says
Hopefully all the wonderful memories of Vera will continue to keep her presence in your hearts. I always enjoyed visiting with her when I’d visit “home.” Her quick wit and positive outlook did make our world brighter. What a very special lady!