Teri Ruth Emmons

1950 - 2021

Teri Ruth (Torrence) Emmons

Teri Ruth Emmons passed away at her home in Port Orchard on June 12, 2021 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She is survived by her husband of 47 wonderful years, Gene (Gino) Emmons as well as daughter Cheryl Emmons of Silverdale; sons Robert (Kristi) and Daniel Emmons of Port Orchard; four grandchildren, Brodrick and Asha Siemens, Victor and Max Emmons; brother Steve Torrence of Port Orchard; and sister Paula (Greg) Willems of Bainbridge Island. She is preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Leone Torrence who had also lived in Port Orchard.

Teri was born in Prineville, Oregon on September 16, 1950 and lived in Crabtree, Oregon as well as Payette and Kimberly, Idaho prior to moving to Port Orchard in 1966. She graduated from South Kitsap High School in 1968 and went to both Olympic College in Bremerton and Northwest Christian College in Eugene, Oregon prior to graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in journalism from Washington State University in 1972 (Go Cougs!).

After graduating from WSU, Teri worked as a reporter for the Whidbey News-Times in Oak Harbor before becoming a reporter and editor for the Port Orchard Independent in the mid-70's. She then combined her love of sewing with journalism by contributing to Country Pleasures Magazine for many years. An avid seamstress and quilter, she was a member of the West Sound Quilters Guild as well as a participant in the Kitsap and Peninsula Clothing and Textile Advisory (CTA) group. She made dozens of fabulous quilts in her lifetime, winning many awards and delighting many lucky recipients with gifts. She made a special quilt for each of her family members, including her children and grandchildren, each reflecting their particular interests. She was especially proud of her mini quilts. Meeting with her quilting group, The Ladies of the Thread, was one of her greatest joys. The Ladies of the Thread will be creating camp quilts for CTA, American Hero Quilts, Alzheimer Quilts, and quilts for the Lutheran Brotherhood from the large quantity of quilting materials Teri had accumulated. Later in life, she partnered with a group of seamstresses that commercially made dolls for use in investigating Sudden Unexplained Infant Death.

Teri also enjoyed travelling, spending time with her grandchildren and playing dominos and cards with her family and many friends. She was an avid reader and was a member of a book club with her sister for nearly 25 years. Her favorite book club meeting was held in Venice, Italy. Teri also loved attending garage sales and almost every Friday and Saturday morning, she and her husband were out early looking for treasures. She was an active member of the Port Orchard First Christian Church for over 50 years, where her father had been the pastor from 1966 through 1977.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Teri's name to The Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. A Memorial Service will be held at the Port Orchard First Christian church at a time and date yet to be determined.