Francis, Terri S. 1955-2025 St. Joseph, Mo.

Terri Sue Francis lost her battle with pancreatic cancer on June 17, 2025, while at home in St. Joseph. Terri was born July 16, 1955, in St. Joseph, born the daughter of Mary and Forest J. Stafford.

She graduated from Benton High School and attended Missouri Western State University.

Terri married Mark E. Francis on April 28, 1984. Mark and Terri were best friends, inseparable as they did everything together, including working together in their real estate business.

Terri was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Carol; and brothers, Steven and David.

Surviving family includes husband, Mark Francis; children, Chad Calovich, Christy (Matt) Brown; sisters, Linda (Everett) Rittman, Kathy (Rick) Kamler; brother, Jim (Tammy) Stafford; sisters-in-law, Cindy Stafford and Karen Stafford. Terri had lifelong friendships with Vickie Chavez, Carolyn Schindler, and Connie Sczepanik.

Terri was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and sister. She loved her family and was devoted “Nana” to her grandchildren, Jonathan, Emma, Elizabeth, Jaxson, and aunt to numerous nieces and nephews.

Terri was an honest, sweet, and considerate person who loved and valued her family and friends. She had a heart big enough for everyone, and a kindness that made you feel instantly at home. She loved deeply, gave freely, and made everyone feel like family. She loved to swim, garden, and cook but nothing made her light up more than time with her grandkids, they were everything to her and she would steal them away any chance she had. She cherished her beloved dog, Ollie.

Terri was a pom pom girl at Benton High school where she made lasting relationships and would later work at Ray’s Green Hills, she was part owner of Francis Enterprise Partnership.

A special thank you to all her caregivers at Freudenthal and the doctors and nursing staff at KU Medical Center.

Terri was cremated per her wishes. A celebration of life will be planned and announced at a later date.

Memorials are suggested to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (www.pancan.org).

Online obituary and condolences at www.ruppfuneral.com. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.