Teresa Diana (Rivers) Gorton

Teresa D. Gorton, 52, of Indianapolis, passed away on October 9, 2024.

She was born on November 22, 1971, to Kenny and Mary Ann (Rife) Askren, in Indianapolis, IN.

Teresa was truly one of a kind. She had a passion for celebrating, and the holidays were where she truly shined—decorating her home with unmatched enthusiasm and ensuring her children had the most magical experiences. Birthdays were no exception, with her going above and beyond to make each one special. Her offbeat sense of humor kept everyone on their toes, and she wasn’t afraid to speak her mind. If Teresa had something to say, you knew exactly where you stood with her. While she may have had the unique ability to burn a PB&J, her roast beef was unmatched.

Family was everything to Teresa. She dedicated herself to raising and homeschooling her children from 1997 until just this past May in 2024. Fiercely protective, she was the kind of mother who would move mountains for her kids—and heaven help anyone who wronged them, because Teresa wouldn’t stand for it. Her bond with her husband, Jake, was unshakable; they were two peas in a pod, a love story that spanned 35 years. She was the heart and soul of her family, and the light of their lives.

Teresa’s deep Christian faith guided every part of her life. She was proud to be a follower of Christ and dedicated herself to sharing that faith with others, wanting everyone to know the love of Jesus. Though her time on earth was cut far too short, there is comfort in knowing she is now whole and at peace in Heaven.

Teresa is survived by her devoted husband, Jake; her children, Cassandra “Cassie,” Christybella, Cynthia, Blake (Shayla), Blaine, and Carriana; her siblings, Marenda (Bob) Babcock, Pam Harsin, Saundra (Steve) Moore, and Jon (Christina) Rivers; and her nieces and nephews, Michael, David, Jonathan, Ryan, Hannah, Allyson, Miles, and Kipling; as well as many great-nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Ann and Kenny Askren, and her siblings, Marsha, Ronnie, and Mark.

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