values instilled by her parents guided Mary throughout her life, shaped the caring and devoted woman her family came to know and love
Mary Katherine Carothers, 88, of Melbourne Beach, passed away on May 23, 2026. Born on March 4, 1938, in Fairmont, Mary lived a life centered on family, hard work, friendship, and the simple joys that brought happiness to those around her.
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Mary Katherine Carothers, 88, of Melbourne Beach, passed away on May 23, 2026. Born on March 4, 1938, in Fairmont, Mary lived a life centered on family, hard work, friendship, and the simple joys that brought happiness to those around her.
Mary was the beloved daughter of Edward Frances Armstrong and Avis Mona Loudin.
She often spoke fondly of her childhood and the close-knit family she shared with her eight siblings.
The values instilled by her parents guided her throughout her life and shaped the caring and devoted woman her family came to know and love.
She was preceded in death by her siblings Nancy Starcher, Terry Armstrong, Beverly Vandergrift, Donald Armstrong, Junior Armstrong, David Armstrong, and Carolyn Petelin.
She is survived by her sister, Marles Moon of Hawaii, and her sister-in-law, Bonnie Armstrong of West Virginia.
Shortly after graduating from high school, Mary married Ralph Junior Helsley.
The couple spent 30 years together, first in West Virginia and later in Ohio, where they raised their family. Although they divorced in 1986, they remained friends until Ralph’s passing in 1997.
Mary later married Donald Eugene Carothers on April 9, 2004, in Painesville. They shared several happy years together until his passing in 2007.
Mary is survived by her children, Pamela Keeslar, Cathy Helsley, Brenda Phillips, and Stacey Helsley.
She was preceded in death by her infant son, Ralph.
A dedicated employee, Mary worked for Parker-Hannifin Corporation from 1962 until her retirement in 1998, retiring on her 60th birthday after more than three decades of service.
Family was at the center of Mary’s life. She was a proud grandmother to Kya Keeslar, Ceylon Bonnell (Kai), Indi Keeslar (Amanda), and Brendan Phillips (Alex). She also held a special place in her heart for her sons-in-law, John Keeslar and Dan Phillips, whom she deeply admired, and appreciated the care and support provided by Chris Galinari, Stacey Helsley’s longtime companion.
Mary was also blessed with four great-grandchildren, Liam and Luca Phillips, and Journey and Giovani Keeslar. Her family was eagerly anticipating the arrival of another great-grandchild later this year.
Outside of her family, Mary found joy in gardening and took great pride in caring for her home and flowers.
After relocating to Florida to be closer to her daughters, she developed cherished friendships with her neighbors and enjoyed spending time visiting, celebrating special occasions, and playing games with friends on her street.
Mary’s family will honor her memory with celebrations of her life in Ohio this August and in Florida on what would have been her birthday next year. Her ashes will also be scattered at her parents’ gravesite in West Virginia.
Mary Katherine Carothers will be remembered for her kindness, devotion to family, strong work ethic, and the warmth she shared with everyone she met. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved her.
Arrangements are under the care of Millennium Cremation Service.
