Mary Beth

Tarter

In Loving Memory of Mary Beth Tarter

Mary Beth Tarter, a beloved mother, mother-in-law, aunt, Mam-Ma, and great-Mam-Ma, was born on September 24, 1930, in Putnum, Texas. She passed on November 6, 2026, leaving behind a family who loved her deeply and a legacy that will continue through the many lives she touched.

Mary Beth married C.W. “Bill” Tarter in Big Spring, Texas, on September 1, 1950. Together, they built a family and a life filled with memories, traditions, and love. She was an active member of First United Methodist Church for 60 years, where her faith remained an important part of her life.

Mary Beth was the heart and leader of her family. She had a remarkable way of bringing people together. She loved spending time with family, planning family reunions, getting her hair done, sewing, and watching her cowboys play, and her favorite soap operas. She was known for her many questions, her effortless ability to make conversation, and her genuine interest in the people around her.

Independent, intelligent, strong, and always classy, Mary Beth had a generosity that came without hesitation. She had a calming presence about her and a way of making others feel special. Even when things weren’t easy, she rarely let on that something was wrong. She carried herself with strength and grace, teaching those around her more through the way she lived than she probably ever realized.

The lessons she left her family are ones they will carry for the rest of their lives: make people feel special, and always be honest with them. Ask questions, because it’s the only way to find answers. Trust God in every situation. And perhaps most importantly, remember that life isn’t perfect, but it goes on, so there’s no need to panic.

Mary Beth’s influence cannot be measured by the years she lived, but by the people she loved, the lessons she taught, and the family traditions she created. She was a truly special woman, and her family hopes she knew just how many lives she influenced simply by being herself. Her presence will be missed beyond words, but her strength, grace, humor, faith, and love will live on in generations to come.

Mary Beth is survived by her sons, Curt Tarter, and Steve Tarter and his wife, Dorothy; her grandchildren, Tashina Lilley and her husband, Tim Lilley, Dylan Tarter and his partner, Jessica Lewis, Elizabeth Fetzer and her husband, Kevin Fetzer, and Alexandra Fresquez; and her great-grandchildren, Lucas Lilley, Henry Lilley, and Landry Fetzer.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, C.W. “Bill” Tarter; her parents; her brothers, John Ray Morgan, W.T. Morgan, and Harlan Morgan; her daughter, Tamara Fresquez; and her daughter-in-law, Sue Tarter.

A huge thank you to Peachtree, Enhabit, and Casa Maria staff for taking such good care of Mary Beth.

The funeral service will be held at First United Methodist Church in Roswell NM on Friday the 20th at 11:00A.M .

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Cowboy Bell Scholarship Fund through First United Methodist Church:

First United Methodist Church

200 N. Pennsylvania Avenue

Roswell, NM 88201