Ann Carter

(From Knell Mortuary)

She had the kindest, biggest smile – the kind that reaches your eyes and makes them twinkle. She was elegant and understated in the same breath. That type of description could only be made of Ann Louise (Carpenter) Carter. 

Ann passed peacefully at 8:22 AM on 22 February 2025 surrounded by her family in Carthage, MO. In true Ann spirit, she ensured there were smiles at her passing in her own mischievous way. She was known by many names, but most importantly Greemie or Green Beans by her grandchildren and Hey Annie by anyone that wanted or needed her attention.

Born in Milwaukee, WI on 28 November 1942, her family moved quite a bit throughout the US before settling in Southern California in time for her high school graduation from Chula Vista High School and subsequent UCLA graduation in 1964. She launched headfirst into teaching grades 2 – 5 at that time with her newly minted English and teaching degrees.

She met Dr. Robert Carter in early 1967 and they were married shortly thereafter in Santa Monica, CA. Moving to Memphis and up and down the coast of California from Atherton to El Centro throughout their marriage, they ultimately moved and settled in Carthage, MO in 1983. They lived between Carthage, Fallbrook, CA and Saint-Laurent-de-l’isle d’Orleans, Quebec until Bob’s passing in 2019. Annie lived with Heather and Henry in Carthage after that time.

Upon moving to Carthage, Ann became a serial entrepreneur. Many will know her from her days at the old 2000 Center Building in Joplin, or the go-for for the family dairy in Newtonia, or being THE Annie of Annie’s Epicurean Delights in Carthage. She never stopped working and never stopped putting up with the shenanigans of her husband, daughter and grandchildren. She had a spunk and a zest for life and trying new things throughout her life – she was a test baker for Betty Crocker as a hobby, the official taste-tester for Annie’s and a subject matter expert on a good Manhattan or a snifter of brandy. She loved her time with her grandkids, her time on St. Margaret’s Guild at the church and the Soroptimist organization in Carthage. She was an avid global traveler and loved the food, culture, and wine of the places she visited, but didn’t shy away from adventure by zip lining with her grandkids through the jungle at age 77! Her life was full and the stories are endless.

She is survived by daughter Heather and husband Henry O Stout, III, of Carthage; most amazing grandchildren Hadlee, Carter, and Kloe; and 5 crazy dogs. Additional survivors include brother Jay Carpenter and wife Jan of Fallbrook, CA; Charley Carpenter and wife Vivian of Granby, MO; nephews Chuck Carpenter of Neosho, MO and Christoper Carpenter, wife Kaitlyn and two newly hatched grand nieces, Rosalie and Arabell of Hill City, KS.

Ann was preceded in death by husband of 51 years, Bob, who she missed every day; parents Eric and Elisabeth (Plahn) Carpenter; and brother, Tom Carpenter.







The family would like to thank the staff at St. Luke’s in Carthage, special and dear friend, Kathy Gibson, Gentiva Hospice, the staff at Home Instead and Phoenix Home Care.

A mass will be held at Grace Episcopal Church on Saturday, 01 March 2025 at 11:00 AM where Ann was a long-time member. Inurnment will follow the service at the Grace Church Columbarium. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts are suggested to St. Luke’s Nursing Center in care of Knell Mortuary. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.