Dr. Teresa Bee Wanbaugh, age 71, of Pensacola, Florida, passed away peacefully at her home at 11:45 am on September 3, 2025. She is now rejoicing with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Teresa was born on September 15, 1953, in Gibson County, Indiana, to Vernon Richardson and Peggy Ann (Woolsey) Richardson. She graduated from Marion High School in 1972.
As a single mother, she courageously began her higher education journey in the mid-1980s, earning multiple degrees and professional certifications. She received Bachelor’s degrees in Business and Teaching, as well as certificates and awards from Marion College (now Indiana Wesleyan University), Indiana Wesleyan University, Ball State University, Indiana Business College, and Concordia University. She went on to achieve her Doctor of Education degree from Nova Southeastern University in 2001.
On June 12, 1993, Teresa “Sug” married Ronald Jay Wanbaugh in Marion, Indiana, and they shared 27 ½ years of marriage until his passing on November 1, 2020.
Teresa had a distinguished career in education. She taught business at Redstone Arsenal to the U.S. Army Command Staff and later served as a professor at Athens State University, where she taught for 14 years before retiring. Among her many professional achievements was her notable attendance at the Oxford Round Table.
Deeply committed to her faith, Teresa selflessly served as treasurer at her Lutheran church. She loved traveling, attending musicals, going to the casino, and, most of all, spending quality time with her family.
She is survived by her children: Teala Ann (Chad) Pattison, Christopher Michael Sean (Tara) Ebert, and Tricia (Gary) Coats; her sister, Sabrina (Tom) Kahler; her brother, Glenn (Denise) Richardson; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom she adored.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Ronald Wanbaugh; her step-daughter, Lisa Gawn; and her parents, Vernon and Peg Richardson.
A memorial visitation will be held from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
On Monday, September 15, 2025, a funeral service to celebrate Teresa's life will begin at 11:30 am, officiated by Jason Bumgarner. A graveside service will follow at 1:00 pm at Marion National Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in her honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942.
Teresa will be dearly missed by all who were blessed to know her.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
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