Today we grieve the loss of our wife, mother, and friend Teri Lea Carriker Bernal Olmos, 62 of Overland Park, KS. Teri passed away on Wednesday, April 2g*h 2026 at Saint Lukes Hospice House. Teri was born in Kansas City, KS on December 5th, 1963 to John and Sharon Carriker. She is the middle child of three. Teri attended the Shawnee Mission School District before becoming a stay-at-home mother. Teri married Roger Carrender on December 5th, 1981 and were married for 42 years, later divorcing. They had 2 children, Luke Carrender and Tabatha Tompkins. Teri remarried Hernan David Bernal Olmos on March 30th, 2024. She began work at Prairie Elementary as an educational aide, then moved to the secretary position for her alma mater Tomahawk Elementary. Teri was affectionately known as Tomahawk Teri. She loved her job and made a lasting impact on everyone she came into contact with. She worked for the school district for 29 years.
Those who knew Teri remember not only her dedication, but the warmth she carried into every space. She had a way of making people feel seen, welcomed, and loved—whether it was a student walking into the office or a friend in need of comfort. Her presence was a steady light in her community, and her kindness left a mark that will not fade.
Teri loved to garden and had an exceptional green thumb with the ability to grow anything from vegetables to lush flower gardens. She loved summertime and annual fishing trips to Bull Shoals, doing her best to out-fish everyone around her! You could often find her floating in the swimming pool and enjoying her time outdoors. Even through the warm summers she would watch Hallmark Christmas movies. She adored Christmas and decorated her home with an abundance of holiday décor, frequently leaving it up year-round. During winter snow storms you could always count on an excited phone call announcing a snow-day.
She lived life with joy in the simplest moments—music playing loud, laughter shared freely, and love expressed without hesitation. She deeply loved music, especially the songs of Enrique Iglesias, a love that was rooted in her connection to her father, who enjoyed the music of Julio Iglesias. Her musical taste was wide and full of life, ranging from 80s classics to artists like Fleetwood Mac, Pearl Jam, Dwight Yoakam, Disturbed, and Post Malone. One of her most cherished songs, “Just Breathe” by Willie Nelson, held a special place in her heart as it reminded her of her father.
Teri embraced life fully and joyfully. She loved strawberry margaritas, good food, and the people she shared those moments with. She was a devoted fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, celebrating every game with excitement and passion. She also held a special affection for Colombia and its people, and found happiness in its culture and cuisine, especially dishes like bandeja paisa and potato soup with arepa.
Above all, Teri’s love for others defined her. Though time may feel too short, the love she gave was deep and enduring. As her husband shared, even a short time with her felt like a lifetime of love—she was truly an angel who touched hearts and changed lives. She shone with her own light, a flame of selfless love, strength, and generosity that will continue to inspire all who knew her.
Her life is a reminder to hold close to the ones we love, to cherish everyday moments, and to never go to sleep without saying “I love you” or “I’m sorry.”
Teri was preceded in death by her parents John and Sharon Carriker, and is survived by her husband Hernan David Bernal Olmos, Son, Luke Carrender (Amber Carrender), daughter, Tabatha Tompkins (Zack Tompkins) and grandchildren, Chaise Carrender, Kylie Carrender, Hadley Tompkins, Adeline Tompkins, and Jason Tompkins.
She also leaves behind a circle of friends, colleagues, and community members whose lives were touched by her kindness, as well as those who stood beside her and her family with unwavering love, support, and generosity during her final days—acts that will never be forgotten.
Services will be held at Central Church of the Nazarene in Lenexa Kansas on Saturday May 16th, 2026. Visitation will be at 10:00 am with a celebration of life service to follow at 11:00 am.
