Theresa Lynn (Martinez) Tingey

Our beloved Theresa Lynn (Martinez) Tingey left this world wrapped in love, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, laughter, and the brightest kind of joy. If you ever met her, you remember her—she greeted everyone with a big embrace and her signature “Hello, sunshine!” Her laugh was contagious, her presence magnetic, and her heart endlessly generous. She was beautiful, inside and out—her smile, her style, her spirit—all unmistakably her.

Theresa was the life of the party. She loved being on the water, fishing with the sun on her face, and soaking up every moment of peace nature offered—especially at Bear Lake, where the water felt like home. She didn’t just love life, she lived it. But just as deeply, she loved adventure—especially the kind that involved teasing and pranking her brothers with that mischievous sparkle in her eye. Her sisters were her travel companions, her laughter partners, and her getaway crew for unforgettable girls’ trips and side quests through life.

She was loudly and proudly herself—from the way she loved to the way she dressed. Her wardrobe had personality just like she did—fun, bold, comfortable, colorful, stylish, and never shy. If it made her happy, she wore it. If she loved you, she told you. If there was music playing— she was dancing, singing, swaying, snorting when she laughed, and living fully in that moment. She didn’t just walk into a room—she brought it to life.

Theresa loved her Jeeps — and she always made them her own. They had personality, sparkle, and style, just like she did. No Jeep of hers ever blended in — they stood out, and so did she. Theresa became a mother for the first time when she was blessed with her son, Jeremy. She stepped into motherhood with a strength and softness beyond her years. Jeremy was her beginning—her purpose, her lessons, her laughter, her reason to grow. They learned life together, side by side, and the bond they shared was one that shaped who she became.

Theresa’s heart grew with every chapter of her life. When she married Conrad Hernandez, she gained two more children, Alisha and Chance, and bonus daughter Wendy and step son Jeremy who all added to her world and her purpose.

Later, she found her forever with Sheldon Tingey, where her family grew again as she lovingly welcomed four more step-children into her heart and home. Theresa never saw “step” as a difference or a distance—every child she gained, she loved as her own. Her family was her pride, her story, and her greatest joy. She was a loving and devoted wife to her husband, the love of her life. Their bond was tender, playful, steady, and deeply rooted. Theresa was the definition of selfless—she always put others first, giving without hesitation and loving without limit. She adored Sheldon with her whole being, and the love they shared was warm, steady, and true.

Theresa treasured her children and step-children, loving each of them in the exact way their hearts needed. Her daughter (Alisha) was her best friend, her heartbeat, her everyday companion in laughter, struggle, healing, and joy. And her sons (Chance and Jeremy) held a special place in her heart, each one bonded to her through stories, care, and a love that never wavered.

Her grandchildren (All 22) were her joy and delight. She spoiled them in the way only the best grandmas do—treats galore, surprises just because, warm hugs and the kind of memories that feel like sunshine forever.

She was the treasured daughter of Adele (John) Woodworth and Arcenio (Jill) Martinez, whose love, spirit, strength, and laughter live on through her.

Her dog Shiloh was her shadow and best friend, always by her side. And her love for animals extended to every creature—she fed the birds, the squirrels, and even the friendly door spider, because in her heart, all life deserved kindness.

Theresa had a natural ability to make everyone feel seen, welcomed, and valued. She made new friends everywhere she went—in stores, on walks, on vacations, in passing conversations—and she meant every word of every compliment she gave. She saw beauty in everyone and everything. She was non-judgmental, accepting, and had open arms for all—whether she had known you for years or just met you that day. To be in her presence was to feel safe, appreciated, and at home.

She loved the quiet joys of life too—drinking coffee and chit chatting, phone calls with friends and family that lasted hours and covered everything and nothing all at once. And everyone knew: she never left the house without her slippers.

Theresa had a gift for making things beautiful. She adored decorating and shopping, and every holiday in her home was celebrated all out—lights, magic, sparkle, warmth, and joy in every corner. She didn’t just decorate a house… she built a home that felt alive.

Theresa lived fully, loved deeply, laughed loudly, and gave generously. Though our hearts ache, her light has not gone out—it lives in the stories we tell, the pranks we remember, the hugs we give, the music she danced to, the laughter we carry forward, and the love we choose daily.

She will forever be remembered as our sunshine—warm, bright, radiant, and unforgettable.

We love you, always. Until we meet again.

Theresa is survived by her husband Sheldon Tingey, 3 children: Jeremy Beus, Chance Hernandez and Alisha Hernandez, 4 step children: Heather Peterson, Nick (Cassie) Tingey, Jamie (Kacey) Braegger, Lindsey (Casey) Nebeker, 22 grandchildren, her mother: Adele (John) Woodworth, Step mom Jill Martinez, her siblings: Valerie (Joe) Purnell, Dan (Laura) Martinez, Kelly (Scott) Erwin, Kim (Chris) Greene, Joe (Ann) Martinez, Louie (Julie) Martinez, Lisa (Gary) Veum, Suzy Hill, John Martinez, Mike Martinez, Dan Espinoza. She was preceded in death by her Father: Arcenio Martinez, Brother: Christopher Ramon.

There will be a celebration of life at a later date tentative March 21, 2026.