Elizabeth “Bess” D. (Regensberg) McCarter, age 49, of Elkhart, Kansas, died Thursday, March 16, 2017, at Via Christi Regional Medical Center – St. Francis Campus in Wichita, Kansas. She was born November 30, 1967, in Cleveland, New Mexico, the daughter of Clyde and Sally (Trujillo) Regensberg.


Bess was a dedicated Catholic that grew up in New Mexico and Texhoma, Oklahoma. She graduated from Texhoma High School. She married Brent McCarter on August 23, 1985, in Guymon, Oklahoma. Bess worked for the USD # 218 schools for many years. She loved being a mom, helping with her kid’s activities, and being a Nana to her grandbabies which were very important to her.

Bess was not only a warrior, but a pillar of love and strength for others. Her family was her light and her heart was made of gold. She touched the lives of many of over the years through her loving display of kindness and her nurturing spirit. Bess was the foundation of love and faith for her beloved husband of 31 years, her children, her precious grandchildren, and family dog Shasta. She strived to love them and protect them every day, in every way. Bess faithfully cared for her family and friends throughout her life and she will always be remembered for her genuine spirit and true kindness to all. She leaves behind a legacy of resilience, strength and gentle warmth that will be missed by many.

Survivors include her husband, Brent of their home; daughter, Kayla McCarter of Guymon, Oklahoma; son, Tyler McCarter of Liberal, Kansas; father, Clyde Regensberg of Keyes, Oklahoma; brothers, Wesley Regensberg of Hugoton, Kansas, Lesley Regensberg of Denver, Colorado; sister, Dessie West of Hugoton, Kansas; five grandchildren, Brooklyn, Izabella, Emery, Kyryn and Kysyn.

Bess is preceded in death by her mother, Sally; and grandmother, Juanita; and many special cousins.

Rosary service will be Monday, March 20, 2017, at 9:00 AM and funeral mass will be at 10:00 AM at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Elkhart, Kansas with Reverend Mike Helms and Dick Rodriguez presiding. Interment will follow at Elkhart Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday, March 19, 2017, from 6:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Garnand Funeral Home in Elkhart. Memorial contributions may be given to Bess McCarter Memorial Fund in care of Garnand Funeral Home, PO Box 854, Elkhart, KS 67950.