Mary A. Gunter, age 88, of Elkhart, passed away at her home on Tue, Nov. 27, 2012. Mary was born December 20, 1923 in Mishawaka, Indiana to the late Deane F. "Ted" and Myrtle E. (Woolet) Matchette. Mary enlisted in the US Navy during WWII, where she served until her honorary discharge in 1945. On Oct. 20, 1956, she married Gale F. Gunter, who preceded her in death, passing away in 2005.

Surviving are her children, Michael (Peggy) Trace, of OH, Barbara (Mike) Lapadot, of Ft. Wayne, Steven & Lassie Gunter of AZ, and Christy Erwin of Elkhart. She was preceded in death by her daughters Cathy Waymost, and Patricia Kennedy and one great grandchild. Following her daughter Patricia''s death, Mary raised her granddaughter, Dallas Trace. She is also survived by 13 other grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, her brother, Dale (Melba) Matchette, of Ft. Wayne, IN.

There will be one hour of calling prior to the 1 pm funeral service on Saturday, December 1, 2012 at McCoy Memorial Baptist Church in Elkhart. Entombment will follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola.

Following her service in the Navy, Mary was employed as a Junior Accountant, and later as a child care provider in her home for many years. She loved to crochet and knit, read and do crossword puzzles, and camp and fish with her family. She especially loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren, and was very involved with their many activities. Mary was also active in a Ladies Group and McCoy Memorial Baptist Church, of which she was a member for over 25 years.

In her memory, donations may be made to McCoy Memorial Baptist Church.