Barbara J. Bauer Carter

Barbara J. Bauer Carter formerly of Dodge City, Kans., died March 11, 2016 at Avita Senior Living Center in Wichita. Mrs. Carter was born in Larned, on December 10, 1934, to Vernon Earl Bauer of Radium and Kathryn Mildred Mallow Bauer of Dundee. She was 81 years old.

Mrs. Carter grew up on a farm near Radium. She also lived in Wichita; Cimarron; Safford, Arizona; and was a resident of Dodge City for nearly fifty years. Barbara attended school in Radium and graduated from Radium High School in 1952. In school, she played the French horn in the band and developed a life-long love of music. She also played on the Radium High School girls’ basketball team. After graduation she attended Ft. Hays State University where she received her bachelor’s degree in education in 1956.

While at Ft. Hays State University, Barbara met David Virgal Carter of Dodge City. They married on Aug., 12, 1956, in Larned. Barbara and David are the parents of five children: David A. (and Heidi) Carter of Stillwater, Oklahoma; Philip W. (and Margaret) Carter of Newburgh, Indiana; Steven E. (and Alison) Carter of Arkadelphia, Arkansas; Susanna J. (and Dale) Stott of Riverton, Utah; and Jared S. (and Irina) Carter of Goddard. Barbara and Dave have 20 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Carter enjoyed a distinguished career in education. After graduation from Ft. Hays she taught school in Safford; Ensign and Cimarron educating hundreds of students over the course of her beloved career. In addition to teaching Barbara worked in the concession stands for Cooper Theaters at the Boot Hill and South drive-in theaters in Dodge City.

In 1976, Barbara and David produced an independent movie, The Hideout, which was filmed around the Dodge City area. They wanted to see more family-oriented movies. The film centered on a heroic Depression-era sheriff who captures a gang of bank robbers and saves his son from imminent danger. In July 1977 The Hideout premiered with great fanfare at the Dodge Theater. Barbara had a cameo part in the movie playing a bank teller during a robbery and earning her an entry on IMDB.com.

Barbara loved music and regularly attended community concerts. She was an avid KU Jayhawk basketball fan who rarely missed a televised game. Mrs. Carter also enjoyed eating out and was a regular at both El Charro and Casa Alvarez restaurants.

Barbara was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in various capacities teaching children, youth, and adults. She also served in leadership positions in the LDS women’s Relief Society. Barbara and David Carter sealed their marriage for time and eternity in the Mesa, Arizona LDS temple on October 31, 1958.

Mrs. Carter was preceded in death by her husband, David, and her parents Vernon and Kathryn Bauer. She is survived by her five children, 20 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and her sisters, Elaine (Bauer) Weathers of Great Bend, Kans.; and Billie (Bauer) Welch of Topeka.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 18, 2016 at 10:00 A.M. with viewing at 9:00 A.M. prior to the service at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Dodge City. Burial will be at Maple Grove Cemetery, Dodge City. Memorial contributions can be made to the LDS Perpetual Education Fund in care of Swaim Funeral Home, Dodge City. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.