Teresa Ann Hendricks, 60, of Buffalo, Kansas passed away on November 25, 2025, in Wichita, Kansas at Via Christi St. Francis Hospital. Born on June 22, 1965, in Fredonia, Kansas, Teresa lived a life marked by service, creativity, and deep devotion to her family and passions.

Teresa proudly served her country in the United States Navy as an Information Systems Technician from January 9, 1987, through January 31, 2007. Her devotion to duty was reflected in the many honors, qualifications, and awards she received, including:

Enlisted Surface Warfare Insignia

Joint Service Commendation Medal

Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal

Navy Achievement Medal

Southwest Asia Service Medal

Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal

Federal Campaign / Overseas Campaign Medal

Good Conduct Medal

Battle Efficiency Ribbon

Sea Service Deployment Ribbon

Overseas Service Ribbon

Flag Letter of Commendation

These decorations stand as lasting symbols of her commitment, sacrifice, and exceptional performance—embodying the true spirit of a United States Sailor.

Over the course of her distinguished 20-year military career, she rose to the rank of Chief Petty Officer (E-7), a testament to her leadership, technical expertise, and unwavering dedication. Her contributions left a lasting impact on those she served with and the field she mastered.

Her assignments included service aboard the USS Samuel Gompers, USNS Niagara Falls (T-AFS 3), and USS Boxer (LHD 4). Her service took her across the globe with postings in Fort Ritchie, Maryland; Terceira, Azores, Portugal; Alameda and San Diego, California; Quantico, Virginia; and Fallon, Nevada. During her deployments, she visited Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Dubai, Guam, and Australia.

In pursuit of excellence beyond her military service, Teresa obtained a CCNA Certificate from Fort Hays State University and earned an Associate Degree in Computer Systems from Coastline Community College. Her commitment to learning and professional growth reflected her determination and intellectual curiosity.

After retiring from the Navy, Teresa embraced a life enriched by creativity and care. She found joy in painting and expressed herself through various artistic endeavors. Her love for the arts extended into crafting and sewing skills she used not only for personal fulfillment but also to bring beauty into the lives of those around her.

A devoted gardener and home restorer, Teresa poured her energy into cultivating both her surroundings and relationships. Whether tending to flowers or restoring cherished spaces in her home, she approached each task with patience and pride. Music and film were also sources of comfort and inspiration for her; she often spent time enjoying favorite songs or watching beloved movies and shows.

Above all else, Teresa treasured time spent with family and friends. She is lovingly remembered by her son Jonathan Hart of Buffalo; daughter Alexandra Gardner of Belle Plaine; granddaughter Genevieve Gardner of Belle Plaine; brothers Howard Hendricks of Andover and Keith Hendricks of Arcadia, Florida. She was preceded in death by her mother Charlene Hendricks; father George Hendricks; and brother Donnie Hendricks.

Those who knew Teresa will remember her as a beautiful, selfless soul with a kind and generous heart. Her legacy lives on through the lives she touched—with compassion that never wavered and strength that inspired.

May Teresa's memory bring comfort to all who knew and loved her.

"Shipmate, the watch stands relieved.
Relieved by those you have trained, guided, and lead.
Shipmate, you stand relieved.

We have the watch."

Fair winds and following seas, Ma'am.

A celebration of the life of Teresa Hendricks will be held 1:30 P.M. Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the Chanute Masonic Lodge, 103 N Highland Ave., Chanute, KS 66720.