Marilyn Ray Hansen Carter

KERRVILLE — Marilyn Ray Hansen Carter passed from our view in this life during the early morning hours of Saturday, December 31, 2011. She was born on May 25, 1931 in Galveston, Texas. She was the second child of Emma (Boo Boo) Elizabeth Weyer and Raymond (Pop) Julius Waldo Hansen Sr. Marilyn married Wade Van Buren Carter Jr. (Van) on February 21, 1957 at the Balboa Union Church in Balboa, of the former Canal Zone of Panama.

Marilyn was a graduate of Ball High School in Galveston, and as a Registered Nurse from St. Mary’s School of Nursing in Houston. She was employed as a charge nurse at the VA Hospital in Houston (1953 - 1956) and later as a nurse at Gorgas Hospital in Balboa Heights, and at Corozal Hospital in the Canal Zone from 1956 - 1979. She continued her work stateside as a charge nurse at Starlight Hospital in Center Point, Texas from 1982 - 1996. Marilyn retired from her work as a Registered Nurse in 1996 after 43 years of service.

Marilyn loved life and enjoyed keeping up with her family, friends, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She often wrote thoughtful letters and cards and created special occasions for everyone. She never failed to remember a birthday or special event for those she loved. Marilyn had a lifelong love of photography and left an amazing legacy to her family of photographs lovingly taken over the years. She was known for her skill in photography and won many competitions with her photos.

With her husband Van she traveled often and flew in his private plane to countries throughout Central and South America, and the U.S. She loved meeting new people and especially those of other cultures. Marilyn often spoke of her many wonderful memories of growing up in Galveston and of her love for her entire family. She also enjoyed her associations with local groups and charities in Kerrville.

Marilyn is survived by her husband of 54 years, Wade Van Buren Carter Jr.; her brother, Raymond (Bubbie) Julius Waldo Hansen Jr. and his wife; her daughter, Renee Elizabeth Carter Collins; son, Wade Van Buren Carter III; daughter, Kim Faye Carter Baird and her husband; daughter, Vanette Ray Carter; grandchildren, Elizabeth Ray Collins Christensen, Christopher Wade Collins, Christina Renee Collins Mlaker, Michelle Lee Collins Macfarlane, Lauren Pettit Collins, Rebecca Ray Baird Donnelly, John Anderson Baird II, Joan Allison Baird Christensen, Katherine Hansen Baird, William Carter Baird, Vanessa Ray Dutchover Thetford, Joseph Little Hawk Dutchover, Jennifer Renee Dutchover, Deiderich Anton Dutchover, and her 11 great-grandchildren.

Marilyn is preceded in death by her parents and sister, Marjorie Elizabeth Hansen Tinney.

A Graveside Service was conducted by Pastor Bob Allen at 1:30 p.m. at Garden of Memories, 3250 Fredericksburg Road, Kerrville, Texas on Wednesday, January 4, 2012.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First United Methodist Church, 321 Thompson Drive, Kerrville, Texas, 78028, or the Panama Canal Society, 7985 113th Street, Suite 334, Seminole, Florida 33772; the Lion’s Club of America, or the charity of your choice.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory at www.kerrvillefuneralhometx.com by selecting Obituaries. Select “Sign Guestbook” at the top right of the individual memorial.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Kerrville Funeral Home.

(830) 895-5111

Published January 5, 2012

Save | Mail | Print | Letter