Teresa Buckwalter Rouse Obituary

Teresa Jo Buckwalter Rouse, 67, of Palmyra, MO, passed away at 11:32 AM, Saturday, July 12, 2025, at her home. Arrangements for cremation are under the direction of the Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel in Palmyra, MO. There will be no services at this time. A tree planting ceremony will be held at a later date. Teresa was born January 4, 1958, in Hannibal, MO, to Wayne Buckwalter and Marjorie Joanne Phillips Buckwalter. Survivors include her two children, son, Nathan Rouse of Hannibal, MO, daughter, Abrienne (Chris) Lorenson of Palmyra, MO, grandchildren, Aaron Rouse of Columbia, MO, Casey Voepel of Oceanside, CA, Ellyse, Emmett and Behrett Lorenson of Palmyra, MO, two great grandchildren, Amirah and Amari Rouse, siblings, Sandy Sponcil of Coralville, IA, Wendy Schreiner of Visalia, CA, Julie (George) Hibberd of Delavan, IL, Lisa Palser of Creston, IA and seven nieces and nephews. Teresa was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Mark Buckwalter. Teresa graduated from Palmyra High School in 1976. She was the Regional Manager for Crown Shoe Rack in Palmyra, MO, and a caregiver at Beth Haven Nursing Home in Hannibal, MO. Teresa was proud of Palmyra, knowing much of its history, but it was the people that meant the most. She also enjoyed American history and would get lost in the rabbit holes of exploring her family heritage. Teresa loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren known to get down on the floor and interact with meaning. Easter was one of her favorite holidays when she hosted her memorable Easter egg scavenger hunt. She loved playing games and was an avid card player and she delighted in beating her opponent. Teresa was a lover of music and had a lovely voice. She was invited to sing at various weddings and special occasions. She directed the Baptist Youth Choir for several years. She was an avid reader and was known to read into the wee hours on many nights. She loved detective and mystery stories. Teresa had a romantic flair for decorating with found objects and repurposed antiques and colored glass. Those finds became a collection of colored and reflective glass, prisms, glass paper weights as well as birds and butterflies. Teresa was a lover of animals, always showing them kindness, especially her dog, Toby. She had a great sense of humor, sometimes sarcastic, to the delight of those around her. She found humor in many of life's difficult times. Teresa touched many lives through her kindness and gentle nature. She was a giver of her time and gifts alike to those around her, creating heartfelt moments and will be remembered and enormously missed. Memorial contributions may be made to assist with a memorial tree and bench in the care of Abrienne Lorenson. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Teresa, please visit our Tree Store.