Teresa Gale Essex

Teresa Gale Essex, 65, of Hope passed away on July 6, 2022, at her home. She was born on December 9, 1956, in Greensburg, Indiana to Alvin Dale Moore, and Peggy Ann Harden Moore. She married Douglas Andrews Essex on July 15, 1978, and he survives her. She graduated from Columbus East and after went on to become an LPN. She worked at Miller’s Merry Manor in Hope, Columbus Regional Health, and most recently Four Seasons. She was also the school nurse at Hope Elementary school from 2001 to 2017. She joined the Newburn United Methodist Church as a teenager and transferred to the Hope United Methodist Church until 2019 when she became a member at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Columbus. Outside of work and church, Teresa enjoyed scrapbooking, sewing, taking pictures, cross-stitching, and going to Disney World. Her favorite pastime was spending time with her kids and family. She loved her cat, Midnight, who preceded her in death. Teresa is survived by her spouse, Douglas Essex, of Hope, IN; sons, Bryce (Dorothy) Essex, Benjamin Essex, and Thomas Essex, all of Hope, IN; daughters, Rachel Essex, and Tamara Essex, both of Hope, IN; brothers, Clinton Moore, of Ohio, Lonnie Moore, of North Vernon, IN, and Michael Harden, of Hope, IN; sisters, Lela Browning, of Scottsburg, IN, Susan Watson, of Hope, IN, and Lori Anderson, of North Vernon, IN; and her grandchildren, Penelope, Wyatt, Alexander, Destiny, Damian, Tasha, Odin, and Harrison. She is preceded in death by her parents, Alvin, and Peggy Moore; a sister, Patricia Burnley; aunt, Minnie Romine; and uncle, Floyd Romine. A memorial service is planned for Saturday, July 9, 2022, at 6 pm with visitation from 4 pm to 6 pm at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church with Pastor Bauman officiating. Donations may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church or the Early Childhood Ministry. You’re invited to view her video tribute, light a virtual candle of remembrance, and leave a message to the family online at www.jewellrittman.com.