Teresa A. (Phillips) Stratton of Springfield, Mo., passed away in her home November 16, 2018. Teresa was born January 6, 1956 to Bill and Mary Lou Phillips. She attended Greenwood Laboratory School from early grade school through her 1974 graduation. Swimming with dolphins at Xcaret, standing at cliff's edge of the Grand Canyon, trying her hand at a Vegas jackpot, trekking through the Maya ruins of Belize, enjoying a nighttime stroll through the French Quarter, laughing along with Disney's 999 happy haunts—Teresa had an everlasting passion for all things travel, experience, and fun. Never one to shy away from learning, following her 35 years with General Electric, Teresa pursued academic success with Missouri State University. In 2017, she proudly completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology with an anthropology minor. Among her favorite lessons were writing, geology, abnormal psychology, and archaeology. But without a doubt, Teresa's choice experience of all others was as the most wonderfully loving, generous mother and grandmother. Her delightfully red hair, gentle hugs, and wise reassurance were never far away.
She is survived by her daughter, Whitney (Stratton) Reuschling, son-in-law, Richard Reuschling Jr., granddaughter, Hayley Reuschling; mother, Mary Lou Phillips; and brother, Patrick Phillips. Services will be held Saturday, December 1, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. in Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home on Seminole Street. Burial will follow at Wise Hill Cemetery in Clever, Mo. Flowers may be sent to the funeral home or, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to C.A.R.E. Animal Rescue at 1328A W. Sunshine Street, Springfield, MO 65807.