"Teresa looked for what?s good in people. Kind to everyone, always a smile, never met a stranger. We are fortunate for knowing Teresa. Teresa and Kent are role models for all married couples and parents. Our deepest condolences to the Erin, Jill, and Kent. "
In loving memory of
Teresa Adams
February 15, 1948 - July 8, 2019
Teresa Nan Runkle Adams died on July 8, 2019 in Quincy, Illinois after coping with ovarian cancer for over 12 years. She was born on February 15, 1948 in Rushville, Illinois to Almeda Rittenhouse Runkle and Donald Steele Runkle. When Teresa was 10 years old, the family moved to Quincy where she attended public schools before graduating in 1966. She then attended the University of Illinois, graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Her name was inscribed on the Bronze Tablet, an honor awarded to the top 3% of undergraduate students. Teresa earned her Master of Arts in Reading Specialization from the University of Missouri and launched her career teaching kindergarten and elementary school students in various small towns throughout western Illinois and Iowa.
On October 23, 1971 Teresa married her high-school sweetheart, Kent Adams, in Quincy. Three years later they welcomed their first child, Erin Lea Adams, and Teresa turned her full-time attention to homemaking and child-rearing. In 1978, their second daughter, Jill Ellen Adams, was born, and soon thereafter they returned from Iowa to Quincy, where Teresa spent the remainder of her life.
Over the years, she contributed to the community through volunteer work, including Reading is Fundamental, Meals on Wheels, and the Quincy Service League. Especially important to Teresa was her behind the scenes work with Nancy Kunkel who would select capable young women in need with which Teresa could help. Teresa returned to education in the mid-1990s as a kindergarten teacher at Washington School. She later earned her insurance and financial management license as co-owner and operator of Adams & McReynolds Retirement Partners and Advisors in Quincy. Teresa retired in 2010, focusing her skills and attention again on her family, traveling, and making frequent trips to California to visit her children and grandchildren.
Her survivors include her husband, Kent Adams, of Quincy; daughters, Erin Adams (Ben Harvey) of San Diego, Calif. and Jill E. Adams (Vincent Valente) of Oakland, Calif.; a grandson, Lorenzo Adams-Valente; a granddaughter, Devin Amara Adams Harvey; a brother-in-law, Mark Adams (Leah Adams) of Quincy; great nieces, Natalie Andrea Adams of Clearwater, Flor. and Lauren Elysbeth Marie Adams Sima of Tallahassee, Flor.; an aunt, Mary Helen Runkle; and many cousins from the Runkle and Rittenhouse families. Additionally, Teresa was fortunate to have very dear friends in Quincy and throughout the country.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Almeda Runkle; brother, Douglas Steele Runkle; aunts, Roberta, Evelyn, and Shirley Rittenhouse, Jean Runkle; uncles, Randall and Dexter Rittenhouse, George and Robert Runkle; and cousins, Lynn Rittenhouse, Dave and Tom Runkle. Teresa's father, Donald Runkle, died later the same day.
The family expresses its great appreciation for her healthcare providers at the Quincy Medical Group and its Cancer Center, Blessing Hospital, and Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes Jewish Hospital and to her caregivers and healthcare providers at Good Samaritan Home for their positivity, determination, and compassion.
Services: The family will host a private party to celebrate Teresa's life in August.
Memorial: www.v.org/teresaadams
www.hansenspear.com
Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.
Tributes
"Kent and family, heartfelt condolences on your loss. Great lady! Certainly she has gone on to a better place. God bless you all. "
"Kent and family, so very sorry for your recent loss. Teresa was truly a beautiful soul. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Cheryl and Dan O'Donnell"
"Kent and Family, I am saddened to hear of Teresa?s passing. She was a very kind lady and I have fond memories of our Moorman years and the Top 100 meetings. Blessings and peace to you and your family. Carol Morrison"
"I am so saddened to hear of Teresa's passing. I am holding you and your family close in thought and prayer....may you find peace in the memories!"
"To Kent and his family, we want to send our condolences. Teresa was a classmate and friend in high school. She was truly a wonderful lady. She will be missed by so many. May you rest now our dear friend. Karen Johnston Schneider and Tom Schneider"
"Dear Kent and family, We honor the wonderful life of your dear wife and mother. Teresa was a beacon from when we first met her as an outstanding student at QHS. (Class of 1966). We send our sincere condolences, God?s Blessings and best wishes."
"Kent and family. So many delightful memories at those Moorman and NSSTE meetings. Teresa was not only classy but was always warm, welcoming and wonderful. Jim & Mary Benz"
"Dear Kent & family, We learned this morning that your Beautiful Wife & Mother went to her eternal reward. We send our heartfelt condolences and hope you can find PEACE knowing she will always live in the shelter of Our Lord. Donna & Jerry Werner "
"Kent and family,you have our deepest sympathy. I met Teresa in 7 th grade at a YWCA dance class. What a wonderful lady. She was the ? class ? of the class of ? 66. May you find strength and peace. Mike and Cindy Foster"
"Kent and family, Heaven has claimed another Christian, praying for strength, peace and joy!"
"Our sincerest condolences to Kent and the entire family. Knowing Teresa was a blessing. What a joyous soul. May her memory be Eternal. Jon and Mariann Barnard"
"I was blessed to know Teresa from early on. She was such a fine, kind, loving and cheerful person. She always had a good word to say. I send my condolences to Kent and the family. She will be missed."
"My deepest condolences to the Adams family. She was a lovely woman and I am happy to have known her. God bless you."
"Sorry to hear of Teresa?s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with the family."
"My deepest sympathy to Teresa's family. She will truly be missed. Fly high with the angels sweet lady!! Rest in Peace...."
"In 50 years of knowing T and her wonderful family, I am sad to lose the most positive, loving and funny person I will ever know! T and I would use Kent's computer and swear we had not touched IT....and laugh but he always knew! Love and prayers to her loving family. Janet and LeRoy Rossmiller"
"Farewell, dear classmate. We were ships passing in the night, sharing the most difficult bond. My prayers are with you and your family. "
"We extend our Deepest Sympathy to you Kent and to All your family! I will always remember Teresa?s beaming smile, followed by that little chuckle of a laugh, which began almost all of her comments and conversations. She was a sweet Friend and will be greatly missed!?"
"I just feel so bad for Kent and his family. We have an almost 50 year history ......Teresa was a wonderful lady and their marriage was a joy to witness. I am lucky to have known her."
"I have the absolute best memories of Teresa. She was like a second mother to me growing up. Kent and Teresa?s home was full of laughter and love always!! Teresa only had kind words to say and she forever had a smile on her face. I will always smile when I think of her and remember her warmth and positivity. I am so very blessed to have these special memories of Teresa and her family. "