Sunnie Gail Rhea, born Dec. 12, 1976, in Tulsa, Okla., passed away Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026.
Rhea spent 23 years working as a firefighter and emergency medical technician (EMT), serving communities in Oklahoma, Florida and Texas. She spent the last four years of her career with the West Liberty County Fire Department.
Those who knew Sunnie knew she was a beautiful person with a heart for serving others. Even when she was sick, she continued doing what she loved: helping others. She was known for always having a smile on her face and telling the people she loved, “I love you big.” She will be deeply missed by her family, friends and the communities she served.
She is survived by her husband, Kristopher Cole; her children, Gabriel Picket, Keegan Picket and Haley Picket; and her father, Jerry Casteel.
She is also survived by her siblings, Wesley Kennicutt and his wife, Marsha; Judy Gale Kennemer and her husband, Phillip; Patricia Spencer; and Edwin Alan Casteel and his wife, Jamie Langston. She was preceded in death by her mother, Carol Ann Casteel, who passed away four years ago, and her brother-in-law, Larry Spencer.
A service for Rhea will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, at Pace-Stancil Funeral Home, located at 303 E. Crockett St. in Cleveland, Texas.