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Obituary for Teri Lynn Ropka
Teri Lynn Ropka (Lail), age 45, passed away surrounded by her family March 27, 2021. She was born in Florissant, MO on May 2, 1975 to Jack and Sue Lail and would become an incredible sister to Lisa 8 years later. Teri attended Hazelwood Central High School and went on to earn her teaching degree from Missouri Baptist College, where she also played women’s softball.
Teri loved to love people, and for twenty years she served Missouri children as an educator. Students would later describe her as a mentor, detailing her commitment to their growth well beyond her classroom walls. Her friends describe her as kind, hilarious, and loyal, and everyone who knew her knew how much joy her family brought her. Teri met the love of her life, Ricky, and moved to Kansas City to be with him and her bonus son, Zachary. Ricky and Teri wed July 12, 2008. In 2010, they welcomed their son Zander into their family. She was a proud mom and wife, and she loved her family endlessly.
She had many hobbies and interests, but Missouri baseball was one of her favorites. And though she grew up a Cardinals fan, she embraced her Kansas City lifestyle and rooted for the Royals, too. Teri was also vice president of the KCPD Friends and Family organization. Teri is preceded in death by her father, Jack Lail. She is survived by her husband, Ricky Ropka; their sons, Zachary and Zander; her adoring mom, Sue Lail; her sister and best friend, Lisa Lail; her nephew, Liam Turner; and many adoring aunts, uncles, cousins, and adored friends.
Her life will be honored through visitation Thursday, April 1st, between 12 – 2 p.m., at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, 9555 N Oak Trafficway, Kansas City, MO 64155. The service will follow immediately after. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Teri Ropka Memorial Fund, for Zander’s education. Checks can be made payable to the Teri Ropka Memorial Fund and mailed to Greater KC Public Safety Credit Union, located at 8320 N Brighton Ave, Kansas City, MO 64119.
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