Teri Denise Elliott, of Ames, was born November 25, 1959 in Manhattan, Kansas to Dallas and Venna Glenn. After a strong and courageous battle fighting cancer, the Lord called her home to be with her Savior on Thursday, December 4, 2025. She had just turned 66.
To watch the livestream of Teri's funeral service, click here: https://vimeo.com/event/5573575
Teri grew up in a very loving home, as the oldest of 5 children, in the town of Clarinda, IA. An example set by her parents, at a young age she learned the value of hard work, loving others and becoming an excellent cook. She graduated from Clarinda High School in 1978 and continued her education at the Nebraska Methodist School of Nursing. Shortly after graduating, she married John Elliott on September 5, 1981.
John and Teri began their life together in Maryville, MO before moving to Kansas City, MO where their two daughters, Kelsey and Lindsey were born. In 1992, the family moved to Ames, where John worked as a CPA and Teri began her job working as a Registered Nurse at McFarland Clinic. Here, she worked alongside Dr. Richard Carano in endocrinology for 34 years before retiring in January 2025.
Teri loved spending time with her friends, family and traveling. While she visited all 50 states during her lifetime, she continually went back to one of her favorite places, to eat some of the best seafood, at Panama City Beach, Florida. She loved reading, baking and crafting, but ultimately, Teri's favorite title was being called "Grammie" to her grandchildren. From making special birthday cakes to all the snuggles, or a recent trip to Disney World, Teri lived life to the fullest with her grandkids.
Her family cannot begin to thank everyone for all the support, love and prayers that they have felt, especially since her diagnosis in October 2024. Her friends and family meant the world to her, and therefore, mean the world to us. To the special group at the Bliss Cancer Center, as well as Whitney and the Cancer Support Staff, we thank you beyond words.
Teri is preceded in death by Amy Nolan, sister; Dallas and Venna Glenn, parents; and Charles Elliott; father-in-law.
Teri is survived by her husband of 44 years, John; daughters, Kelsey Elliott of Ames, IA and Lindsey (Chad) Smith of Waterloo, IA; grandchildren, Caleb, Kinley and Caden Smith; siblings, Brad Glenn of New Auburn, WI, Doug (Vicki) of Lincoln, NE and Matt (Susie) of Pleasant Hill, IA; Brother-in-Laws, Jeff Nolan of Winterset, Iowa, and David Elliott of Jefferson City, MO. Also survived by Scott (Judy) Gray, Ken (Marilyn) Glenn, Charlene Glenn, Myrna Elliott, many nieces and nephews, cousins and so many special friends that helped her through this journey, all of whom she dearly loved.
Memorials may be directed to the Mary Greeley Foundation, designated to the William R. Bliss Cancer Center of Ames, Iowa.
Lovely service for a beautiful person who will be greatly missed. Deepest condolences to Teri’s family- thinking of you all during this difficult time.
I had the honor of working with Terri in Dr Carano’s office. She was kind, selfless and funny. Over the past 30 plus years we have kept in touch and I always enjoyed our conversations. She touched many lives and will be missed.
Teri was an amazing nurse, I knew her from working at McFarland the past 9 years, She was the sweetest and one of the greatest nurses. She will be missed. Thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.
I knew Teri for many years as I worked as a nurse at McFarland Clinic and she also was my doctor's nurse all those years. She was the sweetest and most dedicated nurse I had the privilege of knowing. She will be missed!
My thoughts and prayers are with all that loved and knew Teri. She was such a great lady and will be very missed. What a beautiful reunion she must've had in heaven with Dallas and Venna ❤️
I worked with Teri for several years in Dr Carano’s office. She was an outstanding coworker and great human being. My condolences to her family at your loss.
So Sorry to see this. What a WONDERFUL woman. With such a kind and caring soul. God gained an AMAZING angel. 😇
:Teri had so many friends because she was such a good friend to others. Her kindness and smile were only two of the qualities that made Teri so special. Teri and I met at Church when our kids were little and attending Sunday School. Our kids became fast friends. It wasn't all about our kids though. We attended the same Bible Study, both of us were members of the prestigious AMEN group, and many lunches together to solve the problems of the world. Teri will be missed by so many of us. We love you, Teri. My prayers are will John, Kelsey, Lindsey and all of Teri's family. God Bless...Sherry Gehlsen
I remember my first interaction with Teri. My daughter Taylor wanted to try soccer one year and somehow I was designated the “soccer mom” I still don’t know how I got “nominated” for that role but needless to say I was clueless. One day I got a phone call from Teri introducing herself and asked me if I needed any help. That was it, we were friends for life. Our girls became fast friends and we all have share many hotel rooms together, many road trips and many laughs along the way. I remember sharing Jesus with her and the many deep conversation we had had, BSF together , Bible study’s in each other homes. I remeber the last time I was home I went to church with Teri and was so happy to see her reading her Bible and having special verse underlined. I know she really wanted to have that special time in Florida with her family. That was so important to her and I am so grateful she got to have that memory. Rest in peace my dear friend and I cannot wait to see which room God has prepared for you. I know you are not in pain and are in the arms of your savior.. Praise God!!💕
Visitation
Ames, IA, United States 50010
Service
Ames, Iowa 50010
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