Helen Maxine Carter

Helen Maxine Kennedy Carter, lifelong resident of Paola, KS, passed away at the age of 99 at the KU Medical Center Olathe Campus on Mar. 30, 2026.

Helen was born on Dec. 28, 1926, to William Greason Kennedy and Marcia Fern Mathews Kennedy at the Kennedy farm in southeast Paola. Upon graduation from Paola High School in 1944, she attended Ursuline Academy junior college, received an Associate of Arts degree and then graduated with a B.S. degree from Pittsburg State University. Years later, she completed a M.S. degree in Education from Emporia State University.

Helen and Charles R. Carter were married on Jan. 5, 1951 at the Paola First Presbyterian Church.

They made their home in rural Paola, and had two children, Christine and Chad. While raising their children, Helen continued to teach and assist with the family farm during the summer months.

Helen experienced many changes during her 43-year teaching career. She began teaching at age 19 in one-room school houses in Miami County, including Mt. Pleasant, Lone Star, and Vickers Schools. Her longest teaching position was held at North Elementary School in Paola, where she was hired initially as a 3rd grade instructor, and then later at the 1st grade level. Helen also taught 4th grade several years at West Elementary School in Osawatomie, Ks. A favorite part of her career included mentoring several college student teachers, preparing them for their own future careers in elementary education. However, the part of her job she liked the most was teaching young children how to read. A special honor during her career was that she was given the USD#368 Master Teacher Award twice. She retired from the Paola school system in 1992, but always enjoyed being called to substitute within the district on occasion.

Following retirement, Helen remained involved with the family farm, always interested in the daily operations of every season. In past years, she enjoyed traveling with various groups, enjoying tours to Hawaii, Spain, Italy, China, England, Scotland, and Ireland. Other special interests included collecting antiques, and having a zest for reading.

Helen was a longtime member of the Paola First Presbyterian Church, where she served as a past deacon and elder. She belonged to the United Presbyterian Women's group, and volunteered many hours helping with the church thrift shop whenever possible.

Helen was passionate about community involvement, and was an active member of several social clubs and service organizations. She was a charter member of the Shamrock Study Club, since its inception in 1948,;She was a past local officer of the Shamrock Club, and also was a past president at the state level. Other organizations she was dedicated to were: KNEA,; Delta Kappa Gamma; Miami Retired Teachers Association, General Federation of Women's Clubs; the Miami County Hospital Auxiliary, and PEO Chapter JB.

Helen also served as a past president of the Paola High School Alumni Association for several years, as well as serving on the USD#368 Endowment Assn. board.

Preceding her in death were her parents, W.G. and Fern Kennedy; her husband of 53 years, Charles R. Carter; her sister Una Fern Nutt; her brother Donald D. Kennedy; and her son-in-law, Alan J. Kessler.

She is survived by her daughter Christine Carter Desgalier (Mrs. Alan J. Kessler) of Gladstone, MO ; her son Chad C. Carter of Paola; and her brother-in-law Jay M. Carter of Mountain Home, AR. She also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, and their families. Helen will be truly missed by her family, many former students, and by many cherished friends.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm, at Dengel and Son Mortuary-Paola Chapel. A memorial service will be held the following day on Thursday, April 9, 2026, beginning at 11:00 am, also at Dengel and Son Mortuary-Paola Chapel. Burial will take place at Paola Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the USD#368 Endowment Fund, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary-Paola Chapel, 305 N. Pearl, Paola, KS 66071.

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