Mary A. Coulter, age 94, formerly of Clinton, Missouri passed away on Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at the Vintage Park Assisted Living Center in Overland Park, Kansas.
Mary was born on January 3, 1929 in Deepwater, MO to Arthur and Mary Grace (Sims) Arnold. She was the third of four children.
Mary was a graduate of Clinton High School, Class of 1947. She married the love of her life, Eldon Coulter, on November 26, 1949. Together they purchased a home at 413 South Orchard Street in Clinton, MO where Mary resided for over 60 years. Their union was blessed with 3 children: James, Marilyn, and John.
Mary worked at Wetzel Clinic in Medicare billing for 29 years. In retirement she cared for the elderly and children with developmental disabilities as a school bus aide.
As a young woman Mary liked playing softball, square dancing, and riding horses. Throughout her life she enjoyed westerns, both books and movies. She loved being outside – gardening, walking, and swimming. She relished socializing and making friends wherever she went – her favorite spot was on the front porch swing. Later in life she spent time embroidering pillowcases and gifting them to loved ones.
She was a devout Christian who read her Bible every day and was a member of First Baptist Church of Clinton for over 60 years.
Mary had special relationships with each of her grandchildren. She delighted in taking them to Silver Dollar City, traveling to visit, and hosting slumber parties. In her last years she was thrilled to be close to her great-grandchildren who brought her great joy with handmade cards, dances, and snuggles.
Mary loved to use her quick wit to tease and make people laugh. She always needed her coffee “HOT HOT!” and her hamburger without cheese! All who knew her will remember her warmth, laughter, and the twinkle in her eye.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Eldon Coulter; and siblings, Hazel Wiseley, Clarence “Sonny” Arnold, and Margaret Moore. She is survived by her son, Jim Coulter and his wife Catherine; daughter, Marilyn Dilley and her husband Jim; and son, John Coulter and his wife Rita; grandchildren Josh, Stephanie Hotz (Rob), Mary “Catie”, Ashley, TJ (Darby), Lauren, Emily, and Brendan Dilley. She is also survived by 5 great-grandchildren: Eleanor, Robert, Isaiah, Clara, and Hazel.
Funeral services were held January 3, 2024 at Vansant-Mills Chapel, Clinton with Rev. David Mills officiating. Special music included “Why Me, My God and I and I Believe.” The casket bearers were Jim Dilley, Rob Hotz, John Cook, Brendon Dilley, Larry Arnold and T.J. Coulter. Interment followed in Englewood Cemetery, Clinton, MO.
Services were under the direction of Vansant-Mills Funeral Home of Clinton, MO.
