Bettie Jean Carter, 82, formerly of Ellington, Mo., passed away Saturday, Oct. 23, 2010, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau. She resided in Cape Girardeau since 1999.

One of 11 children, she was born April 7, 1928, in Centerville, Mo., to the late Edward F. and Stella Mae Smith Buffington. She and Dr. Kenneth T. Carter were married Jan. 6, 1951, in Blytheville, Ark. Dr. Carter passed away April 26, 2000.

Bettie was a 1946 graduate of Ellington High School. Dr. Carter operated his practice in Ellington for 35 years, and Bettie worked as his secretary and nurse.

She was a lifelong member of Ellington United Methodist Church and also a member of its UMW and choir. She was a member and former worthy matron of the Order of the Eastern Star in Ellington.

Loving survivors include a son, Kennth (Judy) Carter of Cape Girardeau; a daughter, Bettie (James) Huck of Cape Girardeau; three grandchildren, Kevin W. (Amy) Skaggs, Julie (Ted) Tsikhlakis, Kenneth (Melissa) Carter III; four great-grandchildren, Taylor, Alison, Aleni, Aiden; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by five brothers and five sisters.

Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. today at McCombs Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau and from 11 a.m. until the time of service Monday at the United Methodist Church in Ellington.

Funeral service and Eastern Star service will be at 1 p.m. Monday at the church in Ellington, with the Rev. Odus Banks officiating.

Interment will follow in Ellington Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Ellington United Methodist Church, 321 Second St., Ellington, MO 63638.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.