Richelle Tarris

Richelle Tarris, 61, of Salt Springs, Florida passed away unexpectedly July 21, 2025 in Saku City, Japan of pneumonia complications. Richelle was born in Jacksonville, Florida to Roberta Burr on March 29, 1964. She is survived by her husband Thomas Tarris, daughter Ranaye and husband Hunter Prevatt of Nerima, Japan, son Brandon and wife Rebecca Tarris of Jacksonville, FL, brother Roy Smith, sister Robin and husband Stuart Owens, grandson Kai, granddaughter Emma, uncle Robert Burr, aunt Cindy Nolan, aunt Rosanne Jones, cousins Tom Jones, Tim Jones, Tamara Rood, Danny Gomon, Irving Lyons Jr, Anthony Bandara, Nicholas Bandara, Christopher Bandara, Melissa Rank, and Samantha Burr. She is also survived by brother-in-law Brian and wife Suzanne Tarris, nieces Crystal, Jade, Mirianthi, Loukia, Thekla, Amanda as well as nephews Christos, Alexandros, Matthew, Benjamin and Ralph.

After moving from Jacksonville, Richelle lived several years on the Onondaga Nation attending elementary school there. Her family later moved to Skaneateles, NY where she graduated from Marcellus High School in 1982. She later attended Ivy Tech in Indiana studying Culinary Arts and Clarkson University graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 1998. While at Clarkson Richelle joined the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) becoming the chapter president for a year. Professionally, Richelle was a Christian school teacher for 2 years, ran a home-based day care, worked several airline positions as a gate agent (Piedmont Airlines), stores clerk (PSA Airlines), and Passenger Service Agent (Spirit Airlines).

Richelle and Tom recently celebrated their 28th wedding anniversary on June 7th. A devoted wife and mother, Richelle was always planning new adventures for her family and homeschooled her children for several years. She loved her children dearly and was deeply proud of the people they are becoming. Richelle was playful, warm, and an extraordinary caregiver-always tuned in to the needs of those around her. Her home was a place of comfort and welcome, often open to others in need. She expressed her love most clearly through acts of service, especially cooking, which was her passion and love language. Whether preparing meals for family, friends, or neighbors, she poured her heart into every dish. Richelle also found joy in community, recently joining the Amvets Ladies Auxiliary in Salt Springs, FL, where she was honored to serve as the group's sergeant at arms.

Richelle was a proud member of the Oneida Indian Nation of New York, Turtle Clan, and advocated for several Native American causes. She was a reviewer of Native American applicants for the Gates Millenium Scholarship. She served on the Board of Directors for Reflection of Inspiration, Inc., a nonprofit organization advocating against domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. The organization serves all of the United South & Eastern Tribes. Richelle was also passionate about making Native American crafts and incorporating gemstones with traditional beadwork. She participated in Pow Wows hosted by Oneida, Onondaga, Cherokee, Seminole and several other Nations teaching others about the Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990 and how it can be used to protect traditional craft making. Most recently Richelle was in the planning stages of writing a book, Wisdom of the Tree, using symbolism within trees to teach truths of life.

A private funeral ceremony was performed for Richelle on July 23, 2025 in Saku City, Japan. A casual Celebration of Life will be held at the Salt Springs Resort's Lodge at 14195 NE 252nd Ct Rd, Salt Springs, Florida on Saturday, October 18th at 11:00 a.m. with reception immediately to follow.

Those wishing to contribute to Richelle's memory may send a check to one or more of Richelle's causes:

Reflection of Inspiration

582 W Main St

Sylva, NC 28779

Amvets Ladies Auxiliary

PO Box 5363

Salt Springs, FL 32134