Regina Casares

On January 15, 1949, in the small town of Mertzon, Texas, Regina Casares was born to Maria Guadalupe Carmona and Florencio Hernandez. From the very beginning, her life was shaped by resilience, hard work, and deep family roots. As the second oldest of thirteen children, Regina grew up in a migrant working family, traveling across seven states and moving every three months in search of opportunity. Those early years built in her a strength and adaptability that would define the rest of her life.

Even as a young girl, Regina found joy in family. She cherished time spent with her siblings and carried that love for togetherness into adulthood, becoming someone who brought people in rather than turning them away. Her home would later become a place where anyone—family, friend, or stranger—could walk in and feel welcomed.

After eventually settling in Kansas, Regina’s determination led her to pursue a better future. While working full-time, she put herself through nursing school—a powerful testament to her drive and

commitment. She went on to dedicate 20 years of her life as a registered nurse, caring for others with compassion and skill. Later, she continued her service to the community as a case worker for Economic Opportunity Foundation, where she worked for 28 years. Regina didn’t just do her job—she became an advocate, a voice, and a helping hand for countless individuals.

But above all, Regina’s greatest pride and purpose was her family. She raised nine children—six on her own and later three more—with unwavering love, strength, and sacrifice. She spoke of her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews with a glow that could light up any room. She made it her mission to be present, attending events, celebrating milestones, and supporting her family every step of the way.

She leaves behind her loving children: Michael A. Barajas (Anita), Angel V. Fossett (Mike), Valentino C. Barajas, Alexander M. Barajas Jr., Florencio R. Barajas (Kelley), Reymundo S. Hernandez (Ayesha),

Matthew W. Kaltenbach, Paula R. Blevins (Scot), and Regina M. Sampel (Joseluis Sr.). She also leaves behind a remarkable legacy of 9 children, 37 grandchildren, and 56 great-grandchildren.

Regina is survived by her siblings Juana H. Galvan, Maria Payne, Eulogio C. Hernandez, and Irene C. Hernandez. She is reunited in rest with her parents mother Maria Guadalupe Carmona and father Florencio Hernandez; her siblings Anselmo Hernandez, Enemencio

Hernandez, Reymundo Hernandez, Paula Hernandez, Florencio Hernandez, Martina Hernandez, and Maria Elena Hernandez, Florencio Hernandez; her daughter-in-law Lisa Patton; and her cherished grandchildren Mark and Maxx Fossett, Joseluis Sampel Jr., Aiden Fernandez, Ava, Samuel, and Dominick Barajas.

To know Regina was to know warmth, strength, and joy. She was known as the “neighborhood mother,” always opening her doors and her heart to anyone in need. She had a vibrant personality that could not be missed—never stepping out without her dark lipstick, blue mascara, perfectly drawn eyebrows, and her signature vanilla scent. She loved bright colors, glitter, and anything that sparkled.

In her quieter moments, Regina enjoyed going to garage sales and watching her favorite television shows. She had a special way of making people feel loved, often giving nicknames to those close to her and always holding a baby in her arms.

Regina Casares lived a life of purpose, perseverance, and deep love. She faced challenges head-on and never let hardship define her—only strengthen her. Her story is one of sacrifice, service, and an unbreakable bond with the people she loved.

Her legacy will live on in the many lives she touched, the family she nurtured, and the love she gave so freely.

Visitation will be held at Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 701 North 94th Street, Kansas City, Kansas 66112, on March 28, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, followed by the Funeral Service at Chapel Hill Funeral Home on March 28, 2026, at 12:00 pm.