Teresa M. Vanover

Teresa Marie (Ieraci) Vanover passed away in hospice care on September 9, 2024, after enduring a decades-long battle with Multiple Sclerosis and Epilepsy. She was 62 years old.
Daughter of the late James and Shirley (Fisher) Ieraci, Teresa was born in Columbus, Ohio, on October 3, 1961. She grew up in the Beacon Addition of Hilliard, Ohio, where she formed lifelong friendships with many neighborhood kids, including her treasured best friend of more than 50 years, Deirdre "Deedee" (Hovatter) Pyles. After graduating high school and marrying her childhood sweetheart, Bobby Lane Vanover, in 1979, Teresa relocated to Plain City. There she and Bobby would raise their family and spend the rest of their days.
During her able-bodied years, Teresa enjoyed flower gardening, especially petunias and her prized rose bushes; crafting of all kinds; making and painting ceramics with her mother and beloved older sister, Kim; cutting and styling the hair of anyone in need of a cosmetologist; playing outdoor volleyball with neighborhood friends; playing card games; and watching her son "Bubba" play football.
Teresa loved rock music and was partial to the 70s hits from her youth, but she also adored anything her husband would sing or play for her on his guitar. He was her favorite rock star, and she delighted in playing keyboard accompaniment during his jam sessions and singing along with him to their favorites.
A lifelong Girl Scout at heart thanks to her mother's involvement in the GSOH, Teresa had a soft spot for Camp Ken-Jockety. Many of her fondest memories involved KJ, including planting trees with her mother, fishing with her dad, learning to drive the family jeep on the trails, camping with friends, and marrying the love of her life in the woods on a hot August day. She would share this affection for Ken-Jockety with the next generation by serving as leader of her daughter Layne's Girl Scout Brownie Troop. Teresa loved leading the girls on nature hikes, helping them earn badges, and teaching them her favorite Girl Scout songs around the campfire. She also enjoyed the rustic Thanksgiving camp retreats the Ieraci family hosted at KJ's Shagbark Lodge for many years, and especially looked forward to helping prepare the feast in the camp kitchen.
It is impossible to eulogize Teresa without mentioning the close bond she shared with her father, James. She counted him among her closest friends and was
endlessly fascinated by the tales of his time spent in the US Navy. This resulted in a love of all things Naval and nautical in nature and led her to curate a collection of ships she cherished until the end. Teresa lived, and died, a daddy's girl.
As her illness progressed and left her housebound, Teresa took comfort in the simple pleasures of her routine. No day was complete without a strong cup of coffee, a banana, and a cup of yogurt. She looked forward to daily phone chats with her dad, visits from friends, "pigging out" on her favorite Der Dutchman long johns, giving her dog Maverick belly scratches, watching her grandsons' sporting events, and spending her days with Bobby. These small joys kept Teresa content through the toughest years of her illness. May her body and soul finally rest in peace.
Teresa is preceded in death by both of her parents, as well as her in-laws Roby and Lizzie (Howard) Vanover; her first niece, whom she adored and shared a special bond with, Cortnee (Lewis) Hollar; brothers-in-law Dean Vanover and Lloyd Cooper; and her soulmate and companion of 50 years, husband Bobby.
She is survived by daughter Layne (Robert) Vanover O'Donnell and granddaughter Emerson O'Donnell of Charlotte, NC; son Bobby (Allie) Vanover and grandsons Cade and Cam Vanover of Plain City; sister Kim (James) Vanover of North Lewisburg; sisters-in-law Terri Cooper of Plain City, and Velma (Larry) Burchett of Unionville Center; and many nieces and nephews.
The family will host a Celebration of Life gathering on Friday, October 4, 2024, at the Plain City Presbyterian Church from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. All are welcome to join and share their favorite memories of Teresa. In lieu of flowers, her children ask that you consider donating to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and that you support your local Girl Scouts by buying a box of your favorite cookies. And don't forget to enjoy a cookie especially for her!