Terri Ann Liponoga, 61, of Elkhart, passed away peacefully—but suddenly—following an unexpected illness at Elkhart General Hospital on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at 2:32 a.m.

Terri entered this world on April 3, 1963, in Lincoln Park, Michigan, born to the late Virgil C. and Lucille E. (Ruff) Fletcher. And, from the get-go, she lived her life at full speed, leaving no room for dull moments. She later met and married the love of her life, James J. "Jim" Liponoga, on September 15, 1984, in Lincoln Park. The couple built a life together filled with love, laughter, and a steady stream of unfinished craft projects. Jim survives his beloved Terri at home, where she likely left behind a to-do list of half-finished Pinterest-worthy creations he now has to figure out what to do with.

Also surviving are her three wonderful children—Carmin J. and Tyler J. Liponoga, both of Elkhart, and Amber N. Liponoga of Columbia, Missouri—each of whom inherited their mother's humor, compassion, and ability to locate a great bargain. Her sisters, Pamela  Rocheleau of Woodhaven, Michigan, Penny (Ed) Wright of Brownstown, Michigan, Colleen Weening of Shipshewana, and Tracy (Craig) Cradle of Whitehouse, Ohio, will carry on the tradition of sharing stories about Terri's wild ideas and even wilder execution of them.

Her grandchild, Elwyn Kemp, will miss being spoiled beyond reason by a grandma who, let's be honest, probably let her get away with everything, including talking Grandma into getting a rabbit without discussing it with mom and dad first. Long story short, the rabbit stayed! And, of course, we cannot forget Chloe, Terri's lap-dog mix and devoted sidekick, who may or may not have been Terri's favorite child. Chloe, currently inconsolable, has declined to give a statement at this time.

Terri now joins her brothers, Basil and Monty Fletcher, in the great beyond, where they are undoubtedly engaged in some elaborate prank or mischief, much to the chagrin of any celestial authorities.

A memorial mass to celebrate Terri's vibrant life will be held at St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church, 411 W. Vistula Street, Bristol, IN, on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 12:00 noon with a brief gathering of friends beginning at 11 a.m. The Reverend Bob Van Kempen will officiate. Following the mass, the family will receive friends for a more informal gathering at 2:00 pm to celebrate Terri's life at the Elkhart Conservation Club, 55515 Rivera Drive, Elkhart. Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elkhart have been entrusted with Terri's cremation arrangements.

Terri spent 24 years as an Educational Para-Professional for special needs children within the Elkhart/Concord school systems, retiring just a few months ago. Some people work a job; Terri lived hers. Her heart belonged to her students, and she brought creativity, patience, and more than a little bit of fun into the classroom. She had an uncanny ability to turn the most mundane school projects into masterpieces, often enlisting her own children (sometimes against their will) as laborers in her grand schemes. It would be accurate to say that she dedicated her life to her students, and Jim and the kids were always "glad" to help out mom with her crafts and projects.

Her dedication didn't stop at the school doors. Terri was deeply involved in Cub Scouts, Webelos, and Boy Scouts, particularly through St. Thomas. While her husband, Jim, might have had the official title of Scoutmaster, everyone knew who really ran the show. If there was an event, Terri was at the helm, orchestrating crafts, activities, and entertainment like a one-woman production crew. She dedicated herself for many years as a den mother and always enjoyed assisting Jim with his scouts. After all, she DID raise two Eagle Scouts!

Terri was also an all-star mom. Whether it was cheering from the stands at a band concert, baking enough Sicilian-style holiday lasagna to feed an army, or decorating for every holiday with enough enthusiasm to rival a department store window display, she did it all with joy. She had a legendary knack for taking way too many pictures, much to the groans of her kids, who will now cherish every single one of them.

Her love for life extended beyond her family and scouts. Terri never met a stranger. She was the kind of person who could turn a simple trip to the grocery store into an hours-long social event. She had a passion for shopping, garage sales, and flea markets, and if there was a deal to be found, Terri would sniff it out like a bloodhound on a mission. She loved traveling, especially on cruises, and had an impressive knack for returning home with more souvenirs than could possibly fit in a suitcase.

Terri packed more love, laughter, and adventure into her 61 years than most people do in a lifetime. She will be missed beyond words, but her spirit lives on in the many lives she touched. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be given to the Scouts of America, ensuring that the next generation gets to experience even a fraction of the enthusiasm, energy, and sheer determination that Terri brought to everything she did.

Memorial donations may be given to any local Special Olympics organization.

Rest easy, Terri—though we all know you're probably organizing a celestial craft fair or scouting event as we speak.**