Theresa Upchurch, 96, of Spearfish and formerly of Huron, passed away peacefully Monday, February 12, 2024, with her daughter at her side, at Avantara St. Cloud in Rapid City.

Her funeral service was held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, February 21, at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Huron. Interment followed in the St. Martins Cemetery. Her service was livestreamed .

View Theresa's Funeral Folder

Visitation was held one hour prior to the service at the church. Jelly beans in her honor.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Anton and Mary Glassmaker and her husband's parents, Elmer and Stella Upchurch. One daughter, Terryl died as an infant in 1954. Her brothers, Larry and Vince also died before her. Theresa's husband, Jack and her son, Dan and her daughter, Shelly were killed in a tragic plane accident in 1980.

Theresa grew up as a shy farm girl near Blunt, SD with her two younger brothers and her parents. Theresa went to college in Pierre to become a Registered Nurse. It was at college that she met Jack Upchurch; they married in 1949. My father worked for the Chicago Northwestern Railroad and they moved at least 7 times in the midwest. In Clinton, Iowa my parents began to help adolescents; starting with a foreign exchange student and foster care girl. We moved to Huron in 1974. Theresa and Jack cared for well over 45 adolescents. Some she took care of after becoming a widow. Theresa moved with Cindy and Doug to Spearfish in 2017.

My mother taught me that everyone matters and help if one can. Theresa loved and trusted God. The name "Mother Theresa" encumbers who she is. I learned that I share my mother as she was there for countless others. She listened carefully and offered support. Mom had an incredible laugh as it was easy, real and loveable. Theresa skillfully loved bridge games and gardening flowers. She was a worldly traveler that frequently advised "travel while you can". Theresa helped others with griefwork.

Grateful to share her life is her daughter, Cindy and her husband, Doug Burnison currently living in Spearfish, SD. Cindy's son, Rob Skramstad (Becca) have two children, Casey and Isla and live in Hawaii. Cindy's son, Erik Burnison lives in Minnesota. Erik married Hadassah last year with bonus great grandchildren, Dayton and Ezra. Cindy's son, Drake Burnison lives in South Dakota. Theresa's son, Tom and his daughter Windy Leona and her children Jade and Thomas live in Eugene, OR. Tom's son, Monte Leona lives with his wife, Roxanna and daughter, Reginna in Florida. Tom's other son, Diego deSaint Albin lives in Atlanta, Georgia with his children, Theo and Tessa. Tom's bonus daughter, Rebecca and her partner, Jair, live in Oregon. Theresa's son, Dan had two children, Danette and Brian. Theresa's granddaughter, Danette Granick with her husband, Marvin, and her son, Tyler live in Florida. Theresa's grandson, Brian Upchurch and his children, Hanna and Hunter reside in Florida. Debbie, mother to Dan's children and her husband Matt are in Florida. A mention for Sheila Wollman, Jack Wilslef and Melissa Huff who Theresa enjoyed years of loving family time.

There are numerous people and families who Theresa cared for and loved dearly. We are thankful to the many wonderful caregivers who helped my mother. She loved you too. Theresa's goodness came through as she was loved by the numbers.

Charity donations may go to Holy Trinity Church as her Church was a meaningful part of her life.

View Theresa's Floral Arrangements