Terry Elphick

Terry Michael Elphick, age 70, passed away at 11:55 am on Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at Miller’s Merry Manor in Wakarusa, IN, where he had been a resident for over 5 years.  Terry was born on July 29, 1951 in Rome, NY to Donna Elphick. He lived his childhood in New York before moving to Ohio where he graduated high school and then attended Ashland University earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Education. He later earned his Master’s Degree from Ball State University. 

On August 11, 1974 Terry married Roxanna Howe in Elkhart, IN.  He taught at Berlin-Milan School District in Milan, OH from 1973-1977. Terry and Roxy moved to Nappanee in 1977 when Terry took a job teaching 7th grade social studies at Nappanee Middle School. He was employed by Wa-Nee Community Schools from 1977-1996. He had a passion for teaching and he also loved coaching. He was the 7th grade boys basketball coach and the 8th grade football coach for over 20 years. Mr. Elphick loved teaching and working with kids.  You could often find him leading extra-curricular activities such as the Euchre Club or flag football and he enjoyed keeping the score board at sporting events.

Terry and Roxy were active in the community and are long time members of the Nappanee United Methodist Church. Terry enjoyed volunteering his time as an usher, helping with children’s ministries, was a member of the Come-Join-Us Sunday School class and the Men’s group. He was very proud to be a member of the Rotary Club of Nappanee. He organized the student of the month program, the 8th grade honors banquet, and the NWHS academic team banquet for many years. He also served on the City of Nappanee Tree Board. After retiring from teaching, Terry volunteered at the Nappanee Public Library and spent many of his afternoons tutoring students.  Later in life, he enjoyed spending time at the Elder House playing cards and socializing. Terry really enjoyed spending his time with others.

Terry battled progressive Multiple Sclerosis for over 40 years. Despite some of the limitations from his disease, he stayed involved with the things he was passionate about. He lived a happy positive life; he had an incredible sense of humor and was often caught telling a corny joke.  Throughout his life, Terry was an avid sports fan. He was typically found watching a sporting event on TV and especially loved baseball. He cheered for both the Atlanta Braves and the Chicago Cubs unless they were playing each other; then he always rooted for the Braves. He also loved the Ohio State Buckeyes and was a fan of the Indianapolis Colts.

Terry was a wonderful Christian man. He was a loving husband and father, and his children and grandchildren meant the world to him.  He loved watching them grow up and supporting their activities.  

Terry is survived by his wife of 47 years, Roxanna (Howe) Elphick of Nappanee; 2 daughters, Heather (Donald) Roeder of Granger, IN and Stacey (Terry) Miller of Goshen, IN; 5 grandchildren, Sydney Elphick, Andrew Miller, Nathan Miller, Mattie Hockert and Madalyn Roeder.  Preceding him in death were his mother, Donna Elphick, Grandparents, Clarence and Dorothy Elphick, and his granddaughter, Kassidy Hockert. 

Friends and family may call from 3-6 pm on Friday, December 17th at Thompson-Lengacher and Yoder Funeral Home in Nappanee.  There will also be 1 hour of visitation prior to an 11 am funeral service on Saturday, December 18th at the Nappanee United Methodist Church.  Rev. Kevin Reed will officiate, along with Rev. David Harrold, and burial will follow at Union Center Cemetery in Nappanee.  Memorial contributions may be given to Rotary Club of Nappanee in Terry’s memory.  Rotary Club of Nappanee, PO Box 354, Nappanee, IN 46550.