Teresa Leah SunRhodes, 54, of Arapahoe, Wyoming, passed away on Sunday, April 5, 2026, in Casper, Wyoming, leaving her family and community with heavy hearts. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church, followed by interment at the Arapaho Catholic Cemetery. A prayer service is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 38 Great Plains Road in Arapahoe, with an all‑night wake to follow—honoring the traditions and spiritual practices that were central to her life.
Born on December 9, 1971, in Riverton, Wyoming, Teresa was the daughter of Earnest Joseph SunRhodes, Jr. and Mary Rose (Yellowbear) SunRhodes. She attended St. Stephen’s School, Chemawa Indian School, and Wyoming Indian High School, forming lifelong friendships and deepening her connection to her community.
Teresa was baptized into the Catholic faith, and throughout her life she carried both her Catholic spirituality and her Native identity with grace and devotion. As an enrolled member of the Northern Arapaho Tribe, she participated in ceremonies, gatherings, and cultural traditions that strengthened her bond to her people and heritage.
Teresa was known as a loving daughter, sister, mother, and friend who cherished time spent with family. She found joy in simple, meaningful moments—holiday gatherings, shared meals, laughter around the table, and the comfort of being surrounded by those she loved. She enjoyed playing bingo, visiting the casino, and spending time with friends, where her warm personality and easy laughter made her a welcome presence. Her kindness, humor, and gentle spirit touched everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Throughout her life, Teresa worked in a variety of roles that reflected her dedication to helping others and supporting her community. She served as a housekeeper at the Wind River Casino, worked as a traffic controller, and later became a case worker in social services. In each position, she brought compassion, patience, and a strong work ethic. Her commitment to serving others—whether through her job or through personal acts of kindness—was a defining part of who she was.
Teresa is survived by her father, Ernest SunRhodes, Jr.; her children, Janell SunRhodes, White Cloud SunRhodes, Juanita Gutierrez, Branelle, Cherylynn, Cedrick Addison, and James Goodman; and her grandchildren, Rain Cloud SunRhodes, Katisha Shakespeare, Kenneth Shakespeare III, SunRise Sitting Eagle, Clara Sitting Eagle, Brandy Sitting Eagle, Angelo SunRhodes, and Kendrick Addison. She is also survived by her siblings, Cara Palmer & Danny, Cassie SunRhodes, Justin SunRhodes, Ruth SunRhodes, Kenny SunRhodes, and Allen Jo Whiteplume.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Rose Yellowbear; her brother, Ernest SunRhodes III; her sister, Lorana Flack; her children, Bauelio Gutierrez, Angelo Gutierrez, Brandy and Brandon SunRhodes; and her grandparents, Ernest & Ruth SunRhodes, and Calvin Yellowbear and Mary E. and Phillip Bear. Teresa’s memory will live on in the hearts of her family, her community, and all who were touched by her love, resilience, and spirit.