Terry Michael Elphick

Terry Michael Elphick, 70, passed away at 11:55 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2021, at Miller's Merry Manor in Wakarusa, Indiana, where he had been a resident for over five years.

Terry was born on July 29, 1951, in Rome, New York, 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 Aug. 11, 1974, Terry married Roxanna Howe in Elkhart, Indiana. He taught at Berlin-Milan School District in Milan, Ohio, from 1973 to 1977. Terry and Roxy moved to Nappanee in 1977 when Terry took a job teaching seventh grade social studies at Nappanee Middle School. He was employed by Wa-Nee Community Schools from 1977 to 1996. He had a passion for teaching and he also loved coaching. He was the seventh grade boys basketball coach and the eighth 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 longtime 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 eighth 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; two daughters, Heather (Donald) Roeder of Granger, Indiana, and Stacey (Terry) Miller of Goshen, Indiana; and five 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 to 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 17, at Thompson-Lengacher and Yoder Funeral Home in Nappanee. There will also be one hour of visitation prior to an 11 a.m. funeral service on Saturday, Dec. 18, at the Nappanee United Methodist Church. The Rev. Kevin Reed will officiate, along with the 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, P.O. Box 354, Nappanee, IN 46550.