Mary Ann Carter passed away November 10, 2025 in Turlock, CA. Born in 1931 to Ashby and Mildred Lockett in Los Angeles, California, she will be remembered as a loving, kind person, devoted wife to her husband of 68 years, William L. (Larry) Carter, dedicated mother to her two sons, and loyal friend to many.
Mary Ann was raised in West Hollywood, California and graduated from Hollywood High in 1949. She then studied nutrition science at the University of California, Los Angeles for 2 years, before being meeting the love of her life, Larry. Shortly after being introduced to Mary Ann by his sister Sally, Larry invited Mary Ann to “Poly Royal”, a traditional event at Cal Poly University, San Luis Obispo, where he was an animal husbandry major. And the rest is history. Mary Ann and Larry were married in 1952, and when Larry joined the Navy, they moved to Rhode Island where he attended officer’s candidate school. After his graduation they returned to San Diego and welcomed their sons, John and Steve.
After the Larry’s Navy service, they lived in a number of northern California cities including, Modesto and Turlock before eventually settling in Hughson. Mary Ann worked several years for the Credit Bureau of Turlock before spending most of her career as a bookkeeper with Rainbow Farms/Valley Fresh Foods of Turlock. While working, Mary Ann simultaneously raised two children, managed a household, took care of her widowed mother, and helped Larry run a 20,000-laying hen operation and their almond and walnut ranches. Her one wish in life was to have a house on a hill overlooking the surrounding countryside. In 1992, she got her wish when, in their “retirement,” she and Larry purchased open grazing land near Montpelier, California and developed an almond ranch. They spent 20 years enjoying their house on the hill before moving back to the “flatlands” of Turlock.
Mary Ann was an avid bridge player and played twice a month with the same group of friends for 60 years. She was devoted supporter of her university sorority, Alpha Chi, and remained in contact with her sorority sisters throughout her life. Mary Ann followed her niece and nephews on Facebook, especially enjoying reports of their travels, children, grandchildren, and pets. In 2000 she (and Larry) warmly welcomed a grandson and then great-grand-daughters through marriage. Mary Ann was always eager for any update on the girls’ activities and progress in school.
Mary Ann suffered from rheumatoid arthritis for over 50 years, and survived several cancers thanks to the expert and compassionate care she received through Stanford Health Care. Mary Ann was often referred to as “our favorite patient,” a credit to her remarkably cheerful spirit and sincere interest in each member of the medical team.
After moving to Cogir Senior Living, Mary Ann enjoyed the company of her tablemates and neighbors. She appreciated phone calls and emails from long-time friends, as well as her friends who brought their dogs to visit, stopped by with homegrown produce and baked goods, and made the time to call each year on her birthday and holidays. Mary Ann often expressed her affection for the Cogir staff. The family is also grateful to them for their care and enjoyment of Mary Ann, particularly during her recent illness.
Mary Ann is survived by her sons John of Modesto, California (Stacie Bradford) and Steve of Oro Valley, Arizona (Mary) along with other family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Larry Carter, parents Mildred and Ashby Lockett, parents-in-law Estell and Carl Carter, and siblings-in-law Sally and Bill Mathews.
In accordance with Mary Ann’s wishes, no services will be held. Mary Ann’s ashes, along with Larry’s will be committed to the sea in Santa Monica Bay. Remembrances may be sent to the American Arthritis Foundation, the American Cancer Society, Turlock Animal Shelter, or a charity of your choice.
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