Teresa Jean White, 72, of Knob Noster, Missouri passed away on July 3rd, 2025, in her home, surrounded by loved ones. A beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, Teresa will always be remembered for her giving heart and motherly love to all. Her arms and heart were always open, offering comfort, strength, and unconditional love.

Teresa was born July 12th, 1952 to Henry and Leona Urban, in Cedar Rapids, IA.

One of four girls, Teresa grew up in a lively household filled with laughter, love, and the kind of chaos only sisters can bring. Teresa graduated from Jefferson High School in 1970.

On August 15th, 1992, Teresa married Ed White. They spent 33 years together enjoying the outdoors, camping, and chasing grandkids. Teresa was particular about the motorhomes and campers she and Ed chose, always making sure they had everything the grandkids would need. Some of Teresa's children's favorite memories growing up include summers at the lake and waking up to breakfast scramble.

Teresa spent much of her life in roles devoted to caring for others, including in a daycare center and 20+ years for the Knob Noster School District, eventually retiring as the kitchen manager in 2012. During these years, she loved the kids as her own and took pride in what she served each day. She made sure each kid had what they needed, whether it was specific to their nutrition plan for a sport or simply a full meal for the day.

Teresa's favorite job, though, was being a grandma. Her grandkids were her world. She was the kind of grandma you read about in storybooks. She had the warm and cozy house that felt like a hug when you walked in. She had an ice cream parlor in her freezer and made all of your favorite meals. She would spend days in the pool with her grandkids, stay up late watching movies, and tuck them into silk sheets when they fell asleep. To have her as a grandma was nothing short of a gift-one that will be treasured forever.

Teresa loved celebrating holidays and events with friends and family. Her house was decorated top to bottom for each holiday. When Teresa was younger, she was the "hostess with the mostess" and made everyone feel welcomed into her home. Teresa loved spending time with her loved ones.

You never had to guess what Teresa was thinking, because she'd tell you with her quick wit and honesty. But you also never had to question how much she loved and cared for you, because not only did she tell you, she showed you. She graciously gave and took care of others first.

We will always remember her saying "I loved you first". Though her home is now in heaven, the warmth she created lives on in every life she touched.

Teresa is survived by her husband, Ed White; her children, Chad (Laurie) Ware, Wendy (Keith) Buzzanga, and Sherry (Paul) Perrin; her grandchildren, Sarah (Kavi), James, Macy (Derek), Emma, Michael (Bethany), Ellie, Olyvia, Elise, and Jenna; siblings, Jackie (Bill) Barber, Janice Donner, Glenda White, Lee Ann (Wayne) Lawrence, and Paul White.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Leona Urban and siblings, Donna Urban, Larry Donner, and Dan White.

A visitation will be held from 6:30-8:00 pm on Monday, July 7th, at Sweeney-Phillips & Holdren Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, July 8th, at 10:00 am at the Knob Noster Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the food pantry at the First Christian Church of Knob Noster, in her memory.