Terry Jean Fox

GERMAN VALLEY

Terry Jean (Russell) Fox, age 78, died after a decade’s long illness with congestive heart failure on December 9, 2025, in German Valley, Illinois. Terry was born on October 2, 1947, in Dallas, Texas and lived nearly all of her life in Rockford, Illinois until moving to German Valley 4 years ago to care for her daughter until her death. She graduated from Auburn High School in 1965 and Northern Illinois University in 1989 with a degree in English and a teaching certificate. Prior to her degree she worked for several insurance companies as a claims adjuster. After graduation she taught in various schools, but decided working in the Rockford School System as a secretary was more to her liking. She retired from Auburn High school after a number of years of service, having previously worked as a secretary at several elementary schools. Family was her true focus, having spent years with grandsons Spencer and Evan and recently with great-grandson James. She just couldn't spend enough time with them as they matured. She had other interests such as quilting, bird watching, listening to book podcasts and reading books by Richard Osman and Bill Bryson. She enjoyed small town living and loved her life.

She is survived by her husband Eugene (Gene), her 96-year-old mother Shirley Russell, brother Larry Russell (Patty), sister Judy Uchno (Edward), grandsons Spencer Kelsey (Destiny), Evan Kelsey of Lexington, Kentucky, great grandson James Duke Kelsey (18 months), and a host of nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her daughter Andrea Heather Kelsey in 2022, father Harry Russell and sister Kay Pitney as well as aunts and uncles.

A visitation and gathering will be held from 1:30 P.M- 3:30 P.M Saturday December 13, 2025 at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home, 504 North Walnut Avenue, Freeport, Illinois, 61032. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to German Valley Historical Society, PO box 45, German Valley, Illinois, 61039.