Teresa A. (Ellis) Herning

Teresa Ann “Terri” Herning, 74 of Findlay passed away peacefully at the Bridge Hospice Care Center on Monday, December 9, 2024. She was surrounded by her family, and had fought a valiant battle against Crohn’s disease for 50 years. Ultimately the disease and medications took their toll on her liver and kidneys.

Terri was born on February 14, 1950 in Robinson, Illinois to the late R. Jack and Nina (Goff) Ellis. She graduated from Palestine High School and Southern Illinois University with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. Terri had a passion for teaching pre-school and taught for 22 years at First Presbyterian Church pre-school, retiring in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic. Prior to that she served as director of a pre-school program at the First Presbyterian Church in Ashland, Kentucky. She and her husband were both members of the First Presbyterian Churches in both Ashland and Findlay.

 Terri married Leland P. “Lee” Herning on September 5, 1970 and he survives in Findlay. Also surviving are three children, Benjamin Herning, Kristina Herning and Alexander Herning. Terri was preceded in death by a brother James Ellis.

She and her family lived in several locations over the years with her husband’s career moves, living in Ashland, Kentucky, Cincinnati, Ohio, Cherry Hill, New Jersey and finally Findlay, Ohio. Terri was a devoted wife to Lee and a loving mother to her children. She was very much a homebody and enjoyed nothing more than visits from her children. She enjoyed jigsaw and crossword puzzles, and watched Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy every evening without fail. Lee frequently encouraged her to become a contestant, as she was often correct with her answers. Terri had a passion for music, especially Sinatra, Josh Grobin, Brandi Carlile and many others. She was a wonderful cook and watched Ina Garten’s program daily, and made superb Chicken Tetrazinni, Chili and Goulash. She was a champion for equal rights for all, always promoting love and kindness.

Considering all of the places that the family lived, it was Terri’s desire after 24 years to have Findlay, Ohio as her resting place. She will be inurned at the Columbarium at First Presbyterian Church, Findlay, Ohio.

Visitation will be held at the First Presbyterian Church from 1:00-3:00pm, Monday, December 16, 2024, with a memorial service beginning at 3:00pm, Rev. Jessica Commeret officiating.  Kirkpatrick-Behnke Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the Salvation Army, 301 Center Street, Findlay, Ohio 45840 or Hancock County Christian Clearing House, 1800 N Blanchard St # 107, Findlay, OH 45840. 

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.kirkaptrickbehnke.com.

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