Patricia Carter

Patricia (Patty) Anne Carter, 66, of Overland Park, KS passed away peacefully at home Friday, August 10th after a long battle with lung cancer. Patty was born on September 28, 1951 to Kenneth and Helen (Fricke) Smith.  Patty grew up in Prairie Village, KS, attended Shawnee Mission East High School, and graduated Cum Laude from Kansas State University with a BS in Home Economics.  Her studies emphasized early childhood development which set the foundation for her early career as a preschool director and teacher.  While attending K-State, Patty met her husband, Daryl. They married and established their home in Overland Park, KS. Soon after, Patty poured her natural gifts into her dream job as a stay-at-home mom for three boys: Michael, Peter, and Andy.  Quite simply, Patty loved being a mom.  She received numerous commendations throughout her working career, including "Mom of the Year," "Best Mom Ever," and “Best Grandma Ever.”

Patty loved her husband, her family, her friends, and her church family.  She was a “hugger” whose warm smile and cheerful personality helped her quickly make friends wherever she went. Patty had a strong faith in God and believed in the power of prayer.  She believed the teachings of Jesus and like Him, she loved others with wild abandon - always remembering birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions with heartfelt Hallmark cards and gifts and letting us all know she "loved us to pieces."  Patty enjoyed spirited family gatherings, celebrating holiday traditions (especially Christmas!), soaking up the summer sun, going to the beach, going to the movies, volunteering in various capacities, attending any musical performance or sporting event that involved her children or grandchildren, and preparing her family’s favorite recipes.

Patty was preceded in death by her brother David Smith, her parents Kenneth and Helen Smith, her brother-in-law Kent Carter, and nieces Jessica Carter and Kelly Miller. Patty is survived by her husband of 43 years, Daryl, her son Michael and his wife Alysia and step-daughter Kiersten, her son Peter and his wife Natalie and their children Jacob and Grace, her son Andy, her sister Sally (Steve) Baas, her sister Ashley Rose Smith, plus numerous brother and sister in-laws, nieces and nephews, and friends.

A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at 1 pm Saturday, August 18th at Atonement Lutheran Church, 9948 Metcalf Avenue Overland Park, KS 66212. A reception immediately follows the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society or Metro Lutheran Ministry.