Mekenzie Brooke Carter, 26, of Greensburg, Indiana, took her final bow on May 30, 2026. Born on July 14, 1999, Mekenzie spent her 26 years on this earth proving that strength and sass can coexist beautifully. She was a 2018 graduate of South Decatur High School. Mekenzie lived life with equal parts strength, sass, sparkle, and grace. She was a diva in the best possible way. She knew who she was, spoke her mind, and carried herself with a confidence that made people smile. She loved fiercely, laughed often, and had a personality far too big to be contained by life's circumstances. If you knew Mekenzie, you knew her smile. It could light up a room, brighten a bad day, and make you feel like an old friend even if you'd just met. She never knew a stranger, loved fiercely, and always managed to find joy worth singing about. A proud diva at heart, Mekenzie loved music, loved people, and loved making others smile. Above all else, Mekenzie loved her Momma with her whole heart. Their bond was unbreakable, and her love for her family was matched only by her passion for collecting Beanie Boos, a collection she treasured and proudly grew over the years. For most of her life, she battled spinocerebellar ataxia. While the disease challenged her body, it never touched her spirit. Through every obstacle, she met life with courage, resilience, and her signature response: "It's okay." Even when life wasn't fair, she kept smiling. One of the most beautiful things about Mekenzie was the way her eyes would light up when she saw someone she loved. No matter what she was facing, that sparkle never faded. Mekenzie leaves a legacy of resilience, love, laughter, and unapologetic authenticity. She taught us that strength isn't about never struggling -- it's about continuing to show up with courage and a smile when life gets hard. In her final days, she showed us one last time what true bravery looks like. She faced the end of her journey with the same courage that had carried her through every chapter before it. Today, we celebrate a life that taught us what true strength looks like. Mekenzie is finally free-- free from her wheelchair, free from her disease, and free to sing, dance, and shine without limits. Mekenzie leaves behind her loving mother, Deanna Denney; stepfather, Rick Denney; grandfather, Marvin Tichenor; sisters, Mandy (Travis) Rich, Megan (Cory) Dyer, and Kinsee (Jake) Hempstead; brother, Ryder Denney; nephews, Collin Rich, Liam Smith, and Kohen Hempstead; and nieces, Bradlee Dyer and Lucie Rich, along with countless family members and friends who adored her. She was preceded in death by her father, Keith Carter; grandmother, JoAnn Tichenor; grandfather, Glenn Oliver; and grandparents, Margie and Howard Carter. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Mekenzie's life at Bass & Gasper Funeral Home in Westport, Indiana on Saturday, June 6, 2026. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life service and a biodegradable balloon release. Wear bright colors. Share stories. Laugh loudly. Sing if you want to. That's exactly what Mekenzie would have wanted. Because while her time here was far too short, the impact she made will last forever. And somewhere, we like to think, Heaven just got a little louder, a little brighter, and a whole lot more fabulous. Memorial contributions may be made to the family to develop a scholarship in Mekenzie's name through the funeral home. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.bassgasper.com.