Mary Ruth Carter, age 97, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away peacefully at home on August 28, 2026.

Member of New Beginnings Assembly of God Church.

Preceded in death by husband, Robert Carter, former husbands, David Merz, and Don Smals, parents, Alvis and Ruth Brooks, sons, Michael Merz and Robert Merz, daughter, Kathryn Watrous, grandson, Christopher Smals, brother, Martin Brooks, and sister, Donna Carter.

Survived by sons, and daughters-in-law, Martin and Debra Merz and Bryan and Amy Smals; grandchildren, Michael Neidig, Kelli Keeler, Andrew Merz, Eric Meade, Jason Merz, Bobby Watrous, and Jackie Watrous; great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Mary loved life and was filled with a sense of joy, curiosity and wonder. She did not know a stranger nor a stray that she would not show care and kindness and happily share whatever she had. Her smile and laughter always brightened our days and lightened our hearts. She will be gravely missed.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, beginning at 11 a.m. until time of memorial service at 12:30 p.m. at GRAUMLICH FUNERAL HOME, 1351 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43207, with Pastor Sara Kirk officiating.

To sign the online guest book and leave a condolence for Mary’s family please visit www.graumlichfuneralhome.com