Teresa Anne (DeFrench) Rupp

Today the world, our world, lost a little bit of joy.  It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Teresa (DeFrench) Rupp, loving mother, sister, daughter, aunt and friend. Although we know that she is in a far better place, our hearts are broken as we send her to her eternal rest.

Teresa is one who never knew a stranger.  She made a connection and left an impression on everyone she met. God gave her a heart so open and loving that anyone who met her knew acceptance and compassion from the very first encounter.  Whether a customer walking into WalMart or a resident at a nursing home, Teresa gifted each person with a genuine smile and true concern.  Anyone who had the privilege of knowing Teresa were blessed to have had her in their lives.

Teresa was born on November 22, 1967, to Frank and Rosemary DeFrench and passed from our midst on October 11 after a short illness.  She will be missed by her daughter, Maggie (Zach Thomas – fiancé) Rupp, father, Frank DeFrench, siblings Al DeFrench, Geri (Rick) Leibfarth, Tim (Judy) DeFrench, Mary (Joe) Umbs, Angela (Will) Wagner, Tony (Missy) DeFrench and Nikki (Shadd) Killian, her nieces, nephews, great-nieces & nephews and many good and faithful friends. Teresa was proceeded in death by her mother, Rosie DeFrench, nephew, Josh Garlock and both maternal and paternal grandparents.

Teresa’s favorite song was “The Rose”, probably because it was one of her mom’s favorites too.  One line states, “I say love it is a flower and you it’s only seed.”  Teresa truly was a seed of love.  She planted and nurtured that seed of love wherever she went. And we are better for it.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated on October 14 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Michael the Archangel Downtown Chapel, 617 W. Main Cross Street.  A visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. on Saturday. Burial will follow in the St. Michael Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to St. Jude or the Humane Society. Those attending the funeral are asked to wear bright colors in honor of Teresa.

Teresa was a faithful member of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church. She credits her faith and prayer life for sustaining her through the peaks and valleys of her life. We are at peace knowing that Teresa is now in the loving arms of her Heavenly Father amongst the saints and angels.

Online condolences may be shared with the family  by visiting www.kirkpatrickbehnke.com.

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