Teresa M. Timmons, age 103, died Tuesday, June 4, 2019, at Resthave Care & Rehabilitation in Morrison, IL.
Teresa was born October 4, 1915, in Garden Plain, IL. to Margaret (Jaarsma) Haan and Peter H. Haan. She had three brothers, Peter, Louis E., and Henry, and a sister, Alta Mae. They lived on land their father farmed. She was educated in rural Whiteside County schools.
After completing her eighth grade education, she worked on the family farm. At age 19, Teresa married W. Frank Timmons at Second Reformed Church in Fulton, IL, on August 1, 1935. Rev. Gradus Vander Linden officiated; Louis Haan and Eva Green were their witnesses. Teresa and Frank raised their children, Leon Frank and Marla Rae in Fulton. In addition to being a wife and mother, Teresa also worked outside the home at Schall Hutchinson Candy Co., Rich’s Toy Factory, and Nielson’s in Clinton, IA. After moving to Clinton, Teresa kept the books for her husband’s construction company.
Teresa’s faith was important to her She was an active member of Second Reformed Church in her early years. Mrs. Frank Timmons was received by letter from Trinity Reformed Church of Fulton into full membership in First Presbyterian Church, Fulton, on December, 30, 1935, by Pastor Joneo Earl Corwin and S. J. McGullagh, Clerk. After moving to Clinton she became a charter member of Community Reformed Church. During retirement the couple moved to Morrison and became faithful members of Ebenezer Reformed Church. This is where Teresa Timmons remains a member today. Participating in ladies’ and couple’s church groups, playing the piano/organ for her husband’s solos, or singing in the church choir were just a few of the many things she did to share her talents and stay involved.
A true “snowbird” upon retirement, Teresa loved wintering with her husband to Florida (near their son “Butch”), in their snazzy Airstream trailer with their beloved dog, named “Paco.” She and Frank spent their days relaxing with friends, grilling, sunbathing, and listening to their beloved “Cubbies.” She had to wait 101 years to see them finally win the World Series!
Teresa kept busy with hobbies: crewel needle work, sewing, word searches, card club, Canasta, Dominoes, and playing her piano. If Teresa spoke Spanish, she would have no doubt been an avid tele-novella watcher. She loved all the Soaps. She also enjoyed morning devotions and visits from church members, family, and friends. Teresa savored her weekly salon visits and always returned freshly styled. Before any event, she made certain that she was fashionably accessorized, with her matching earrings and necklace. Her nail polish could only be light pink or neutral, because anything else was too bold or scandalous for her liking. Therefore, her nails always looked subtle, and her perfume signature-scent, White Shoulders, always smelled so feminine.
A resourceful lady, who never learned to drive, Teresa had no trouble getting all of her weekly wife, mother, and employee tasks completed by walking, or taking a local City bus.
Teresa had a way of always making those she was with feel loved and important. She would play Candyland, Uno, or Yahtzee anytime her grandkids would ask, without hesitation. Meals and staying connected was extremely important to her. She was famous for her green Jello salad with marshmallows. She was always the last one finished with supper, because she said she liked to savor her every bite. Her favorite things to eat were eggs benedict, dark chocolate, chocolate covered cherries, and hot black coffee, whenever she could get it. Never did she miss important events, birthdays, or anniversaries, always remembering those she loved with a card or a call. She could easily chat for hours on the phone, especially to her sister, Alta Mae. Teresa was always interested in us and often asked, “What’s new?” listening carefully to every word with love and appreciation for the time and conversation shared.
A wonderful loving daughter, hard worker, genuine friend, devoted wife, caring mother, dear sister, doting grandmother, very proud great-grandmother, and faithful servant of the Lord are only a few of the words that come to mind to describe this remarkable woman. She will be remembered with love by her surviving family including children, Marla (Roger) Buikema of Morrison; L. Frank (Leah) Timmons of Jacksonville, FL; granddaughters Krista (Paul) Ritsema of Leesburg, VA, Jana Ortiz of Union, NJ , Kim (Steven) Moran of Jacksonville, FL; Heather (Giovanni) Diaz-Conrado of Flower Mound, TX; great-grandchildren, Hannah Ritsema, Nathaniel Ritsema, Maya Diaz-Buikema, and Ava Diaz-Buikema.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, June 7, 2019, at Resthave Care & Rehabilitation in Morrison, IL, with Reverend Ken Zuithoff officiating.
Burial will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the Fulton Township Cemetery, Fulton, IL.
Arrangements were completed by the McDonald Funeral Home in Fulton, IL.
In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established to Resthave Care & Rehabilitation.
Online condolences may be sent to www.mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com.