Mary Francis Stewart

Mary Frances Stewart Carte

Came into this world on September 8, 1945 and departed on March 28, 2025, she was almost 80 years old. Frances was the daughter of Auzy Dee and Ethel Rebecca Jackson Stewart. She was married for almost 58 years to the love of her life, Gary Dale Carte - only to be separated, for fifty days, by death.

Frances was born in Smith County Mississippi, her family moved to Mesquite, Texas until they found their way to Lincoln, Arkansas in 1964. The Stewart family purchased the Lincoln Auto Auction and ran it as a family business for years. Every Friday night you could find Frances in the office filling out paperwork and bill of sales for the cars that went through the auction. She loved her children and was very active in their lives. Frances was a pro at encouraging them to follow their passions, no matter how much it pained her! From watching Tim try his hand at bull riding to driving Zana all over the state with Rainbow Girls, she was there to cheer them on. She and Gary were active in the Lincoln and Prairie Grove chapters of the Masonic Eastern Star - they enjoyed the friendships and fellowship of this community. Frances retired from the Arkansas Dept of Human Services where she worked for over 30 years. After retiring, and with her children grown, Frances was able to enjoy the little things in life and now had time for her many hobbies. She loved pretty flowers, gardening and making things grow. She enjoyed time in the kitchen, creating wonderful meals and baked goods to share. She liked to make pretty things with needle & thread and she made sure her family and friends enjoyed the fruits of those labors. But, her favorite of all was her grandson Noah, whom she adored.

Frances was preceded in death by her husband Gary, her parents Dee and Rebecca Stewart, one sister Barbara Woodard, and three brothers Jimmy Stewart, Wayne Stewart and David Stewart.

Frances is survived by her son Tim Carte of Van Buren, Arkansas, her daughter Zana Carte Kelly of Prairie Grove, Arkansas and her grandson Noah West of Fayetteville, Arkansas. She has one remaining sister, Trish Hughes of Lincoln, Arkansas.

Frances’ life was one of love; love for her family and her friends, love for her hobbies, love for sitting on the porch and enjoying the peace and quiet. Although not always understood, she was always filled with love and tried her best for those who meant the most to her. For that, we are grateful and she will be forever missed.

The family will receive friends Monday, March 31, 2025, 6:00-7:00 PM at Luginbuel Funeral Home.

Funeral service will be held 10:00 AM Tuesday, April 1st, 2025, at Luginbuel Chapel in Prairie Grove. Burial will be in the Bethesda Cemetery in Morrow, Arkansas.

Online guest book, www.luginbuel.com.