Mary Katherine VanMater, 76, of Carthage, Missouri, passed away peacefully at home, on Thursday, December 14, 2023. Mary was born on June 23, 1947, in Springfield, Missouri, to Russell Rhyne and Norma June Keyes. Mary was a graduate of Nevada High School with the class of 1965. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Carthage. She worked at Cottey College as an executive assistant to Evelyn Milam, the president of the college. Later she worked for the Missouri State Court System for 28 years under Judges Chuck Teel, John Dermont, and David Mouton. She loved her family very much; her children and grandchildren were the greatest loves of her life.
Mary was united in marriage to Gary VanMater on December 29, 1971, in Nevada, Missouri; he survives.
Along with her husband, Gary, she is survived by one son, John VanMater (Amanda) of Snyder, Texas and one daughter, Amy VanMater of the home; one brother Russell Rhyne (Delinda) of Platte City, Kansas; three grandchildren, Abram Lee, Asher Scott, and Aiden Dorsey; and several nieces and nephews.
Per Mary’s wishes, she will be cremated, and a private family inurnment will take place at a later date.
Condolences can be posted online at www.ulmerfh.com.
Any contributions can be made to the Scholarship Fund Class of 1965 in Nevada, Missouri.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Ulmer Funeral Home.
