The lights of Heaven became a bit brighter when Teresa Ann Ross departed this life in her Union, Missouri home on March 24, 2026. Born May 1, 1963, in Houston, Missouri, she was the fourth and youngest child of Kenneth Eugene Ross and Barbara Frances Wunderle Ross. Teresa lived 62 years, 10 months, and 23 days, after succumbing to glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer. At the time of her passing, she was surrounded in love by her sister Roberta, brother-in-law Ed, and her two fur babies Mattie and Odie.

Preceding her in death were her father (1964) and mother (2002) along with paternal grandparents Robert Lester Ross and Irene Ross (Moriarity), maternal grandparents Carl Wunderle and Barbara Wunderle (Frank), as well as many precious fur babies who brought her so much joy, love, and companionship.

Teresa graduated from Summersville High School in 1981 and was Valedictorian of her class. Excelling in all subjects but particularly in math and science, she was the recipient of numerous college scholarships. Teresa was accepted into the University of Missouri-Kansas City accelerated 6-year medical school but gave up her dream to become a physician out of concern for her mother's health. She instead enrolled at Rockhurst College in Kansas City and later completed her bachelor's degree in biology and chemistry at Southwest Missouri State University, now known as Missouri State University. Teresa was then accepted into the St. John's School of Medical Technology, and once again, was recognized as Valedictorian of her graduating class. Over the span of a 30-year career, Teresa worked in multiple healthcare labs, including St. Frances Hospital in Mountain View, Ozarks Healthcare in West Plains, St. John's Hospital in Springfield, and most recently Capital Region Medical Center in Jefferson City. She was recognized numerous times for high performance. With a never-ending quest for knowledge and a heartfelt desire to help others, Teresa went on to earn a master's degree in pastoral counseling from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary in Springfield, leading to ministry work in nursing homes, domestic and international missions, clowning, music, and counseling. In her spare time, she thoroughly enjoyed arts and crafts and often gave some of her paintings away as presents. One Christmas she donated hundreds of pieces to various nursing homes in the Holts Summit area.

In addition to nieces, nephews, her precious fur babies Mattie and Odie and all the friends she loved so much, Teresa leaves behind her sister Barby Burton (Glen) from Big Spring, Texas; brother Danny Ross (Gwen) from Eunice, Missouri, and sister Roberta Ross-Fisher (Ed) from Lonedell, Missouri.

Teresa genuinely cared about others, feeling particularly drawn to those who had been rejected, abused, or forgotten. Not once did she ever hesitate to help someone in need. Her smile and laugh were infectious, and those mischievous blue eyes were the windows to her selfless, kind, and generous soul. Teresa was courageous to the very end, never once shedding a tear for herself but instead focused on taking care of others. This world is a better place because of Teresa. We can honor her memory by being kinder, gentler, and more compassionate with others. Always the Star Trek fan, this bright ray of sunshine would want us all to live long and prosper. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

Obituary provided by the family.