Henderson, NV - Mary Mason Carhart, 71, passed away this past January. She was born in Germany to Helga and John Mason, a retired Army Command Sergeant Major. An Army brat through and through, she grew up moving throughout Europe and the United States. She was a bit of a tomboy, wearing jeans under her dress so she could get in the dirt and shoot marbles with the neighborhood boys, usually pocketing more than she started with. She moved to Henderson, Nevada during high school, and it became home for the rest of her life.

Mary raised Molly and Travis with her first husband, Paul Tilman. She worked at the Rainbow Club and loved hunting for arrowheads. She later found her place with the National Park Service at Lake Mead National Recreation Area, where she worked as a sign maker. She had a natural talent for learning anything new and did everything with precision. Her signs had to be perfect.

Mary's life with her second husband, Dave, was equal parts love story and good-natured sparring match. Married for 28 years, they perfected the art of back-and-forth banter. Mary never missed a chance to give Dave a hard time, and Dave loved her all the more for it. They spent their days watching old westerns, dancing and listening to live music, traveling to Mexico, and building their house together on the edge of Henderson. Dave happily made sure Mary was spoiled, just as she expected.

Mary's mother, Helga, lived with them until her passing in 2020. They laughed together, spoke German together, hosted huge Christmas breakfasts, and simply loved being side by side.

Mary was always creating something for someone. She crocheted beautiful blankets and picked up all kinds of crafts over the years. If there was a mistake, she would pull it apart and start over without hesitation. She was the ultimate organizer, collector, and prepper. Everything had a place.

She loved her hummingbirds, who came to the back door every day, and her bingo friends, always finding ways to help and make things more fun.

More than anything, Mary loved her family. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren held a special place in her heart. She talked about them constantly and loved hearing what they were up to.

Mary is survived by her husband, Dave; her children, Molly Tilman and Travis Tilman (Marygrace); her siblings, Pete (Jeanette), Don, and Liz; her stepchildren, Kim (Sean), Aubrey, and Justin (Misty); 13 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and many friends who will miss her more than words can say. She was preceded in death by her parents, Helga and John Mason, and her youngest brother, John.