Theresa Mae Shipman was born in Fresno after her parents Eddie and Josephine traveled from Missouri and Arkansas for a better life in California.  Her father came first, hopping trains until he began working for the Plumbers and Steamfitters Union and began working on the construction of Millerton Dam. Her mother traveled pregnant and alone to her new husband and a new life.

Theresa traveled by train with her mother to her family’s dairy ranch in Missouri yearly, as a child.  She thrived on her family ranch.  She loved her family, her horse and dog.  She graduated from Clovis High School and achieved a Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Fresno State University.

She met her lifelong love, Robert Lee Garrelts, when both were working at a hospital.

He had traveled from Illinois to California, sleeping on park benches and camping in National Parks.  They married and remained devoted to each other their entire lives. They traveled and camped across the United States with their three children.

Theresa worked as a Special Education School Nurse for the bulk of her career.  She showed everyone she met respect, consideration and kindness.

She and Bob moved to Eureka, following the birth of their grandchild Nickolas in 2004. She lost her beloved partner and continued to care for her children and grandchildren up until her catastrophic stroke on Mother’s Day.  She was flown to San Francisco for treatment.  When the family was referred to Hospice her children brought her home to end her days with love and dignity.

Theresa is survived by her children, Robert Edward Garrelts, Khristy Dawn Garrelts and Jon David Garrelts; and by her grandchildren, Robbie Edward Garrelts II, Melissa Taylor Garrelts, Nickolas Grayson Garrelts-Weber, Katelynn Dawn Garrelts-Weber; great grandchild, Jonathon Quinn Garrelts.

The family wishes to express our heartfelt thanks for Sutter Health, Hospice and to the two ambulance drivers who drove her home.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Theresa’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.