Vera Agnes Carter, age 88, of New Florence, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at Aspire Senior Living in New Florence, with family by her side.

Vera was born on January 31, 1937, in Rhineland, Missouri, to Aloysius and Mildred (Engelkemeyer) Elsenraat.

A devoted member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Montgomery City for many years, Vera lived her faith quietly and steadfastly. She poured love into the simple, important things: cooking hearty meals from scratch, sewing with skill, tending to her garden, canning the season's harvest, and casting a fishing line with joy. She did all the motherly homestead things—not out of obligation, but out of love and pride in caring for her family.

She often joked about "whippin' ass" when someone got out of line—but everyone knew that behind that sharp wit was a woman who would give you the shirt off her back, a hot meal, and a place to rest. She was the glue that held generations together.

She will be dearly missed by her family, friends, and all who were lucky enough to know her. Surviving are her children: Brian (Tracy) Carter of New Florence, Missouri, Laura (Arthur "Snooze") Gilbert of Hermann, Missouri, Jason (Dawn) Carter of New Florence, Missouri; grandchildren: Jenna (Chris) Hinkel, Kaylee (Ryan) Concannon, Austin (Amy) Carter, Lauren (Cody) Fortmann, Justin (Megan) Wright, Morgan (Josh) Detienne, and Lucas Carter; grandson-in-law, Brendon Hegemeier; great-grandchildren: Griffin, Fletcher, Norah, Hennelly, Brix, Amelia, Cali, Aiden, River, Hunter, Willow and Easton; siblings: Anna Mae Hackmann, Ervin (Sharon) Elsenraat, and Ed Elsenraat; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Vera was preceded in death by her parents, Aloysius and Mildred Elsenraat, granddaughter, Mackenzie Hegemeier, brothers, Leon Elsenraat and Jimmy Elsenraat, and a sister, Leona Bauer.

Vera will be cremated and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Memorial Contributions are suggested to the Mackenzie Hegemeier Foundation, c/o Schlanker Funeral Home, 207 Danville Road, Montgomery City, Missouri 63361