She was born in Liberty, MO on December 15, 1934, to (George) Guy and (Pearl) Evelyn Carder. After graduating from Liberty High School, she married Robert L. Gillenwater and became a mother to Linda, Jeff, and Rob. After Robert’s passing, she worked at a local drafting firm where she met and married Bob Latteman, becoming a mother also to Jim, Lori, and Bill. Later in life, she worked part time jobs at J.C. Penney and the Center School District, and as an election poll worker for the Jackson County Missouri Election Board.
Mary enjoyed a life of service to others. She used her organizational skills to volunteer and lead many organizations. She served as a PTA President, Booster Club President, Den Mother, and Camp Fire leader. She participated in Pioneer Mothers and was a supporter of the band. She tirelessly supported her children, and later their children, and their activities. All the Center teachers and principals knew her. She loved to cook, sew, quilt, sing, and organize anything, and she used her gifts to bring comfort or joy to others whenever there was a need or opportunity. She was an active member of Holmeswood Baptist Church for 46 years, serving as a deacon, Sunday School leader and teacher, choir member, Community Chorus member, quilter for Prayers ‘n Squares, member of many committees, and served multiple years as the youth Holiday Market kitchen coordinator. She often used her passion for volunteering to recruit others to volunteer.
Her lifelong greatest joy was her family. She spent time with and supported each and every one as her family grew. Every birthday and holiday were celebrated, often with a special homemade decorated cake. She was annoyingly persistent about taking photographs, particularly family photographs. Annual family summer vacations at the Lake of the Ozarks included boating, skiing, and tubing for all. Music filled her home whether it was big band or brass ensembles, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, or country. She also loved to garden, read, play cards and board games, and travel.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, and children Linda Metz and Jim Latteman, her sister Wilma Mustion, and brothers Art Carder, Wayne Carder, and Ralph Carder. She is survived by her children Jeff (Lori) Gillenwater, Lori (Philip) Daniel, Rob (Shelly) Gillenwater, and Bill (Jen) Latteman, and daughter-in-law Lisa Latteman, grandchildren Becky (Tony), Brian (Kristin), Bobby, Lindsey (David), Ben (Avery), Anthony (Mary) , Kathy, Keith, Kyle (Amber), Kevin, Emily, Chandler (Andrea), and Charlee, twenty-three great-grandchildren, her brother Bob Carder (Margie) of Kansas City, MO, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions may be made to Holmeswood Baptist Church, Boy Scouts of America-Heart of America Council, or the Center Education Foundation.
A Visitation for Mary will be held Wednesday, August 24 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Holmeswood Baptist Church, 9700 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO, followed by a Funeral Service at 2:00 PM. Burial will follow at Mount Moriah Cemetery South, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO.
