Mary Belle Carter

Mary Belle Carter, 99, of Mound City, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.

She was born on August 18, 1926 to Bruce Emory and Edna Flura (Alkire) Bullock in a rural area near Nodaway, Missouri. She was the middle child of three. Her older sister, Alice (Bullock) Terry is deceased. Her younger brother, Joe Bruce Bullock, is also deceased.

Mary Belle grew up in the Forest City and Fortescue areas. Her first four years of school were in a one-room school, Walnut Grove. She graduated from Fortescue High School. She was a member of the Methodist Church.

On August 12, 1944 Mary Belle married her high school sweetheart, Howard Leon Carter. They started married life in Wichita, Kansas where they both worked on B-29 bombers at the Boeing Airplane plant during World War II. Mary Belle was a riveter. They later lived in many locations, following Howard’s job on an oil rig. They got to live in many states, but wanted to return to Missouri.

By 1950 they lived in their farm home between Fortescue and Big Lake when their only child, Carol Jean, was born. Howard and Mary Belle were farmers for many years.

Howard died on January 29, 2003 during their 58th year of marriage. After the flood of 2010 she moved to Mound City. Mary Belle enjoyed sewing, flowers, and gardening. She loved her family. Her daughter, Jeanie (Carter) Ohlensehlen died April 20, 2021.

Mary Belle is survived by grandsons and their families: Jeramie Ohlensehlen of Lawrence, KS, Jacob (Amanda) and their sons Henry and Luther Ohlensehlen of Springfield, MO, Josh (LeAnn) and their children Bryon, Anna, and Emma Ohlensehlen of Fairfax, MO, Jesse Ohlensehlen of Loomis, NE, and Dennis (Debbie) Ohlensehlen of Mound City; nephews, Tom (Cathy) Bullock of Big Lake, MO, Bob (Lisa) Bullock of Noblesville, IN, and Jeff (Luann) Bullock of Maysville, MO; and many, many friends.

Funeral services: 11:00 am, Friday, November 14, 2025, Mound City United Methodist Church. Family will greet friends beginning at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Mound City United Methodist Church or to the Mound City Nutrition Site.