Terry Rood

Terry Louise Rood, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on November 17, 2025, at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City Kansas. She was 78 and lived in Lawrence, Kansas. She was born on February 13, 1947, in Kansas City, Missouri. She was the daughter of Warren G and Helen A. (Montell) Best, and was preceded in death by her parents.

On April 22, 1967, she married James Rood who survives at home. They had a long happy life of adventures, travel, and music. They had one son, Daniel (Cynthia) Rood who shared a lifetime of love and laughter with his mother. Terry had two grandchildren, Matty Owen and Allison Rood. Terry was their biggest fan and delighted in spending time with them and celebrating their accomplishments and lives. Terry and Cynthia drove to Michigan often to see Matty perform, direct, and teach; and Terry enjoyed cooking and talking French with Allison who lives in nearby Olathe.

Terry worked at Maupintour for her entire career and led efforts to craft experiences for travelers as the respected travel expert she was. She had been everywhere! Mention somewhere you have traveled and Terry could tell you about it and the culture, cuisine and everything you would want to learn. She maintained relationships and friendships with all her people after she retired and enjoyed a final safari to Africa with Jim in 2024. Her adventures never stopped.

After retiring, Terry embraced her creative side with joy and enthusiasm. She painted, sang, learned the ukulele, and cooking was also a joy she shared with friends and family. She found happiness in the water, logging countless hours as an avid swimmer. Her commitment to community continued as she served on the soroptimist board and fulfilled a term as president, supporting causes that uplift women and improve lives. She encouraged those around her by being a kind, supportive friend and never neglected to take care of those people she loved.

Terry's family would like to thank everyone who loved her and enjoyed the privilege of being her friend and family. There are too many of you to name here, but we know how much you cared and how much you will miss her.

No formal services are scheduled at this time. However a celebration of life will be held at a later date when we can all be together to share our memories.

If you wish, please make a donation in Terry's name in lieu of flowers to Lawrence Memorial Hospital Cancer Center, or a charity of your choice. It may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary; 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.

For more information or to post a condolence go to warrenmcelwain.com.