Mary Carstens

Mary Ann Carstens passed away April 22, 2014 at the age of 94. She was born December 11, 1919 in Omaha, Nebraska to Theresa and Joseph Pribyl and was the firstborn of seven siblings. During World War II she worked in Washington D.C. for the Procurement Division of the Treasury Department under Lend Lease. On August 28, 1943 she married Ralph Carstens in Omaha and they made their home there until 1963 when Ralph was transferred by Swift and Company to work at H & H Packing Company in Yakima. Mary was a Bailiff for Yakima County Superior Court from 1972 to 1978 when she retired. She enjoyed crafting, garage sales, cooking, and reading. She was known for baking many dozens of Christmas cookies every year to share with friends and family. Mary was preceded in death by her husband Ralph in 1993. She is survived by three daughters and their spouses, Peggy and Peter Schantz of Yakima, Catherine and Dean Bloemke of Ridgefield, Washington, and Barbara and Gary Scott of Harlan, Iowa; five grandchildren, Tracee Schantz of Yakima, Tim Leavitt and Todd Leavitt of Vancouver, Washington, Kelly Tremel of Newton, Iowa, and Jeff Scott of Novi, Michigan; seven great-grandchildren, one sister, Clare McCurdy of Manton, Michigan; and numerous nephews and nieces. The family is thankful that Mary now rests in peace and is reunited with much-loved family and friends, and we are appreciatively of the many caregivers who treated her with compassion in her final years. At her request no formal services will be held. Please share your memories of Mary at To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Mary Carstens, please visit our flower store.