Mary Ann “Nana” Gerhardt, 79, of Princeton, passed away on June 18, 2024, at Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville.
She was born on February 3, 1945, in Caldwell County, Kentucky to her late parents, Shelburn and Dorothy Caraway. Born to parents Shelburn and Dorothy Caraway, Mary was one of eleven siblings. Though her family relocated to Chicago for a time, they eventually returned to their roots in Princeton, Kentucky, where Mary would raise her family. Mary led a life filled with selfless love and unwavering care marked by dedication to her family. A hardworking individual, Mary spent her professional years contributing her skills to Shawnee Plastics, concluding her career with Bremner, where she retired. She was a member of Sugar Creek Baptist Church in Smithland.
Mary’s life was filled with joy and the laughter of children, leaving cherished memories with her four daughters, Cindy Lawhorn of Princeton, Christine Duffy of Kuttawa, Cheryl Readdy of Princeton, and Connie Oliver of Princeton; her son, Craig (Dawn) Gerhardt of Princeton; two brothers, Marvin Caraway and Gary Caraway, both of Princeton; and her eleven grandchildren, Josh, Angela, Kevin, James, Christopher, Krystal, Devin, Austin, Ida May, Morgan, Zoey; along with several great-grandchildren. Her life was a testament to the family’s importance, as she took immense pleasure in their accomplishments and growth.
Mary was true to her affections and pastimes. Her love for Bingo was well-known among friends and family, never missing a chance to call out numbers with hope and excitement. She had an eye for treasures, often found haggling at yard sales to find the perfect addition to her collection. Yet above all, taking care of her family was where Mary’s heart truly resided; every meal, every shared story, and every moment of support was a stitch in the fabric of her care.
While she rejoins those who preceded her in passing – her loving husband, Carl Frederick Gerhardt; her parents; her daughter, Cathy Helmer; her son, Carl Gerhardt, Jr.; siblings Sissy, Robbie, Wilburn “Bub”, Larry, Bob, Jim and Rodger, Barbara Jean Caraway; and grandchildren Jason and Melysa – she leaves behind a legacy imprinted on the hearts of all who knew her.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 22, 2024 at Morgan’s Funeral Home with Bro. Wayne Jones officiating.
Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until service time on Saturday, June 22, 2024 at Morgan’s Funeral Home.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memorials Processing, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959 or online at www.stjude.org.
