Betty A. Carter, 91, of Elkhart, died on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Holistic Care Group Home in Elkhart.

She was born on October 5, 1934, in Elkhart to the late Irvin “Ted” C. and Laura M. (Sutley) Gay. Also preceding her in death is her husband of 52 years, Charles, a brother Russell H. Gay, her special sister-in-law, Donna Gay, six nieces; Ruscella Carter, Bonnie Galespie, Wynnell Vaugh, Julia Walters, Judy Bauer and Carole Woodruff. Also preceding her in death was her “honorary adopted son” Rev. Terry Powell.

On June 28, 1958, at the Zion Missionary Church, Betty married Charles Argyle Carter. Chuck passed away on August 24, 2010. Surviving Betty are sons, Steven (Tari) Carter of Ira, MI and James Carter of Elkhart; three grandchildren, Delaney Jo Carter of Grand Rapids, MI, Sean (Casey) Carter of Houston, TX and Charles “Chaz” (Ellen) Carter of South Bend. Also surviving are four step-grandsons; Josh (Kendall) Cumper, Jacob (Blerta) Cumper, Jessie (Hailey) Cumper and Jeremy (Jessica) Cumper; twelve step great grandchildren, three nieces, Betty (Allen) Gearhart of Mishawaka, Linda (David) McElhiney of Mooresville, IN, Lori (D. H.) Pellham of Russellville, AR; two nephews, John Walters of New Palestine, IN and Dennis Wilson of Mishawaka, a number of great nieces and great nephews and a very special friend, Catherine Carter of Grand Rapids, MI.

Betty was a member of Zion Missionary Church for 80 years. Beginning at the age of 19, she became very active in leadership positions during her 80 years at Zion. Throughout the years, Betty and Charles held many leadership positions at Zion. Betty is now a member of Beulah Missionary Church. Prior to her husband’s death, they were both very active in the work of Faith Mission. Charles was a board member and treasurer, and Betty was secretary of the Faith Mission Ladies Auxiliary. She also served as a member of JOY (Just Older Adults) Team of the Missionary Church, North Central District, and the Sew Angelic Red Hatters. While serving on the JOY Team, she prepared a bi-monthly newsletter for the senior adults of the North Central District of the Missionary Church. She was known for her deep love for her Savior Jesus Christ, always praying for the needs of others and for her family and her many friends, her beautiful smile and encouraging words.

Betty was also known for the tremendous meals she fixed for her family and friends. She tried to make everyone’s birthday special with their favorite food and more food! Holidays were a repeat of food, only more, and of course, more of their favorites.

She started her secretarial career at the LaBour Pump Company in Elkhart in 1952. In 1973, she was asked to become the executive secretary to Rev. Mark Burgess, then district superintendent, of the Missionary Church, North Central District, Inc. During the next 23 years, she served as the executive secretary not only to Rev. Burgess, but also to Dr. G. G. Waun and Rev. Terry Powell, all district superintendents of the Missionary Church, North Central District, Inc. She retired in 1996. Following retirement, she kept very busy as part-time secretary at the Zion Missionary Church and the New Paris Missionary Church for Dr. John and Rev. David Hackney, pastors, retiring again in 2008, at the age of 74 to become her husband’s caregiver. She was very efficient and dedicated to her job and was sought after for her skills.

Visitation for Betty will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 at the Beulah Missionary Church 57595 Old County Road 17 Goshen, IN 46528. Friends may also call Saturday from 10 am until the hour of services at 11 am, also at the church. Rev. Kelley Sewel will officiate with assistance from Rev. David Hackney. Betty will be laid to rest next to her beloved Charles at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Osceola, IN. Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman is assisting the family with arrangements.

Memorial contributions in memory of Betty may be made to Beulah Missionary Church, Zion Missionary Church 1135 East Hively Ave. Elkhart, IN 46517 or Faith Mission of Michiana 801 Benham Ave. Elkhart, IN 46516.

To leave the family an online condolence, please visit the funeral home website.