Theresa Humphrey, 88, of Okreek, SD passed away on Thursday, January 28 ^th , 2021 at the Winner Regional Health Care Center in Winner, SD. Private Family memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 13 ^th , 2021 at 10:00AM at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner, SD. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the services. Burial will be held at a later date.

Theresa Ivonne Sully Humphrey passed away January 28, 2021. Theresa was born June 30, 1932 in Rosebud, SD to Claude and Hermine (Prue) Sully.  To say a life well lived is an understatement for this great lady.  She was a Wife, Mother, Educator, Rancher, Jockey, Professional Rodeo Athlete, and All-around cowgirl. Theresa grew up on her Father's ranch in Okreek, SD.  By the age of 6 she was herding cattle and harnessing teams.  She went to school at St. Francis where she was the valedictorian of her

Class.  She went on to graduate from St. Theresa's College in Winona, MN with a business administration major. She also graduated with minors in Spanish and Philosophy.  She went on to Colorado State University and graduated with a Major in Biology.  While attending Colorado State she became a two-time National Intercollegiate Champion Women's all-around cowgirl.  Theresa attended Texas Christian University to work on graduate studies.  She met her husband Ken, who would be her lifelong partner.

Theresa was a successful Jockey and one of the few women to receive a trainer's license at Centennial Park in Denver.  She rode racehorses in South Dakota, Nebraska, and Texas.  Theresa also rode cutting horses successfully across the US and Canada. She had extensive skills as a roper. She won many championships. Theresa had major success as a professional rodeo barrel racer.  Theresa qualified for the NFR in 1961. She was the second Native American woman and the first South Dakota Barrel racer to qualify for the NFR.  While at the NFR, she didn't waste her appearance – winning a go round. Theresa Won 2 South Dakota GRA (WPRA) Championships and qualified for the Badlands Circuit finals numerous times.  Theresa also was instrumental in training two Badlands Circuit horses of the year.   Theresa had success across the country running barrels winning Pendleton, OR, Bakersfield, CA, and Phoenix, AZ to mention a few.  During this time Ken and Theresa started their ranch in Okreek, SD, where she was proud of her Native American roots on Rosebud Sioux Reservation.  The ranch started with a few head of cattle given to them by Baxter Berry. As they started their ranch, Theresa taught school in Todd County. When Theresa retired from teaching, she continued to help many young people with her knowledge of horses and rodeo.  They went on to own and operate one of the largest private herds of Texas Longhorn cattle in the country.  The ranch went through cattle changes over the years but is in operation today and was owned by Theresa until the day she passed away. Theresa carried an extreme knowledge of cattle and horses.  In these years Ken and Theresa welcome two daughters Kay and Jill.  Theresa took great pride in her children and grandchildren.  This is just a small excerpt of everything this great woman accomplished.  Theresa will be remembered in history as one of the greatest cowgirls in the state of South Dakota.

Theresa is preceded in death by her husband Ken, Parents Claude and Hermine Sully, Siblings Byron Sully, Bonnie Sully, and Claude Sully.

Theresa is survived by daughters Kay (Terry Bonsall) and Jill.  Grandchildren Courtney Oakley, Arial Swallow, and Allia Swallow. Siblings Mildred Sully, Margaret Hoose, and Clayton Sully. Numerous Nephews, Nieces, and many friends.