Teresa Ann Blair Michel, age 78, died on Monday, April 27, 2026. Teresa, or Terry, as many knew her, was born in Independence, Missouri, on June 21, 1947, to Jeanne Marie Tryon and George Alvin Tryon, Jr. She graduated as the salutatorian of the 1965 class of William Chrisman High School and went on to earn her degree in teaching at Central Missouri State University. She spent several years teaching first grade until she relocated to Texas where she earned her Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of North Texas in 1990. Terry taught art courses at Grayson College in Texas before leaving for her next adventure in New England. There she taught art workshops at summer elder hostels and therapy centers and later taught as an adjunct instructor at the Community College of Art and at Castleton University and as the education director at the Chaffee Art Center in Rutland, Vermont. After her parents died, Terry returned to her home in Independence, where she worked as an adjunct professor of art at Missouri Western State University. 

Terry’s artistic talents not only included drawing and painting. She was a lifelong gardener who designed and grew beautiful garden beds and landscapes in every place she lived. Once she returned to Independence, she joined the Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City where she served as the marketing and public relations chairman. She loved sharing her knowledge and expertise in everything about plants and gardens. She also enjoyed using her sewing and crocheting skills to create beautiful garments for herself, her daughters, and her granddaughters. Terry had a love of antiques, and she especially enjoyed finding household furniture pieces and restoring them to things of beauty. For several years, she worked alongside her dear friend, Terrie Sanders, restoring and reselling her items. Terry had a sense of adventure that took her all over the country and beyond. She enjoyed camping and hiking in the mountains, often exploring natural places with her daughter, Sarah. Terry traveled to Europe twice, taking Sarah along with her on one of the trips, which was a special memory. She later traveled to Israel, where she explored art and history, photographing her experiences. At home, she always had pets around her, having many beloved cats and dogs and budgies throughout her life.

Terry is preceded in death by her parents, Jeanne and George Tryon. She is survived by her daughters, Sarah Blair and Andrea Boots (David), by her three granddaughters, Abigail Beard (Ben), Madalene and Elisabeth Boots, and by her dearest and longest friend, Terrie Sanders, and many friends and family. In memory of Terry, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City, or a favorite charity.