Teresa Rawlins

Teresa Diana Rawlins, 75 of Beardstown, died Saturday, June 1, 2024 at her home.

She was born August 7, 1948 in Beardstown, the daughter of Lyndel Kay and Fay E. Wright Perry. She married Richard E. Rawlins on January 19, 1965 and he preceded her in death on June 19, 1997.

She is survived by four children, Kirk (wife Susan) Rawlins of Beardstown, Jeanie (husband Steve) Shields of Cottontown, TN, Lori (husband Brian) Dour of Virginia, and Lis Rawlins of Beardstown; nine grandchildren Darci Rawlins of Jacksonville, Denise (husband Dylan) Pate of Beardstown, Aileana (husband Alex) Kelly of Springfield, Racquel Rawlins (fiancé Cole Jensen) of Mt. Sterling, Rhiannon Shields (fiancé Xavier Mills) of Scottsville, KY, Liam Shields of Monroe, WA, Rick Dour of Edwardsville, Olivia Dour of Glen Carbon, and Alyssa Dour of Virginia; two great grandchildren Caroline and Dex Pate; two brothers Joe (wife Sherri) Perry and Lyndel (wife Cheryl) Perry both of Beardstown; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.

Teresa attended Beardstown Schools. She was passionate about horses, owning a quarter horse from the time she was a young girl, attending horse shows and participating in competitions with her riding partner Art Warden. In 1968, Teresa and her husband opened Rawlins Christmas Tree farm. You could choose and cut your own tree in Beardstown (if you "cut it at the ground") or in Macomb you could find their tree lot in front of Adams Discount, later Walmart, and then by Dollar General. Many homes in the surrounding communities were adorned with the beautiful wreaths she made and decorated by hand every Christmas. She was the "first boss" to many local teenagers and was proud to instill her work ethic to the area youth over the years. Teresa was a member of the Cass County Home Extension in her younger years and baked many cherry pies for the Cass County Fair. She was also an essential partner in the success of her husband Rick's construction business. She enjoyed coaching her daughters and granddaughters' softball teams and over the years could be seen at many of her grandchildren's school activities and sporting events. When Teresa was not outdoors, she enjoyed quilting and puzzles with her grandchildren and passed down those passions to her loved ones. She enjoyed traveling (over housework) whether it was to the homes of her daughter, Jeanie, or to a local Midwest event. She may even include some humming to the radio for everyone's enjoyment.

Funeral services will be held at 10 AM Wednesday, June 5, 2024 at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Beardstown. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery. The family will meet with friends from 5-7 PM Tuesday at Colwell Memorial Home in Beardstown.

Memorials have been suggested to Schuyler County Humane Society. Condolences may be left online at www.colwellmemorialhome.com or on facebook at Colwell Memorial Home.