Teresa M. Umtuch

It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of Teresa Michelle Umtuch, beloved mother, wife, daughter, sister, and friend, who passed away on September 26, 2026 in Toppenish, WA. Teresa built a life full of love, family, and care for others.

Teresa was born on March 12th, 1986 in Phoenix, AZ to Eric Umtuch Sr. and Marguerite “Allison” Hadley. She spent her formative years living in Arizona, California and Washington. She graduated from Cortez High School in Phoenix, AZ with the class of 2004 before making the decision to settle in Toppenish, WA, where she met and married her husband Terrance Eli in 2008 and started a family. Their children are Mickey (age 20), Millie (age 17), and Melanie (age15) Eli.

She is preceded in death by her father, Eric Lee Umtuch, Sr; paternal grandparents, Lee and Marilyn John Umtuch; maternal grandparents, Edward and Margaret Sekaquaptewa; paternal aunts Lisa Umtuch and Leanne Umtuch; maternal uncle, Edward Sekaquaptewa II; and nephew Anthony Lucei.

She is survived by her husband, children, and mother; stepfather, Norris Hadley; siblings, Christina Umtuch, Josephine Umtuch, Jessica Umtuch, Felicia Umtuch, Eric Umtuch Jr, Christopher Umtuch and his wife, Johanna, Jed Umtuch and Miranda Hadley; sister-in- law, Antoinette and her husband, Rocky Zarate; sister-in-law, Jennifer Umtuch; brother-in-law, Eugene Umtuch and his wife, Lorilee Umtuch; Katherine Umtuch and her husband, William Morago; paternal uncle, Eugene Umtuch Sr; maternal uncles, Joseph Sekaquaptewa, Leroy Kewanimptewa, Jr and Amos Begaye; step-grandmother, Pauline Hadley and all of the Hadley family in Phoenix, AZ; cousins, Michael & Lee Sekaquaptewa, Rosalyn Rock; nieces and nephews, Ethan Umtuch; Cassie, Clara, Ayla, and Adeline Morago; Donivan and Maryann Reyes, Kelly Umtuch; Desmond and Leroy Eli; Tyson, Phoenix and Talia Zarate; Eugene Umtuch III; Marilee Umtuch, Fernando Jr. and “Nephew” Dashiell Jim; Jackson, Abigail, and Tisiphone Biddle; Alex, Sophia, and Jasmine Mego; Josiah and Ariella Wilson; Nolani, Judah and Emma Umtuch; April, Everest, Gloria, and Levi Piel-Umtuch; Leigha Umtuch; Helen and Reed Sekaquaptewa; Damien and Adrien Legarde, Royce and Ronson Rock.

Teresa was a strong and loving woman, a role model for her entire family. She demonstrated that, to care and help anyone in need, is not a burden but a blessing and that we, as people, are able to share. She would always go above and beyond for her family and friends. She had a profound influence on all who have had the privilege to know her. She is funny and quick to laugh; the first to host any event, special occasion or holiday gathering; and enjoyed opening her home for these occasions. She was supportive of her family, yet was never afraid to speak her mind or let them know how they could do better. She provided a safe space for family and was a trusted confidante and pillar of strength.

She helped prepare the next generation of children through her many years of working for the daycare at Yakama Nation Legends Casino. During her time at the daycare, she had a profound impact on the kids under her care and was able to see them grow into adults as they started their own lives and families, many of whom remember Teacher Teresa fondly to this day. Teresa enjoyed creating projects and observing the children’s minds expand with new knowledge.

After leaving the daycare, Teresa eventually began working with the Yakama Nation’s Tinaawit program as a resource coordinator for veterans and families affected by substance abuse. She is remembered for her warmth while serving the people of this community, whether it be by organizing appointments and events, or preparing meals. All of whom appreciated the work she did to ensure they got the care and services they needed.

Teresa has been a solid foundation for her family and her presence will be deeply missed by all. The light she shines reflects, not only within in her own family, but with all her nieces, nephews and friends. The family will be holding services for Teresa beginning Tuesday, September 29th at Valley Hills Funeral Home in Wapato, WA. Overnight services will follow at Satus Longhouse with a sunrise burial at Satus Point Cemetery on September 30th. Final meal and service will be at Satus Longhouse following the burial.