After over 55 years of marriage, John William Teter Jr., 74, and Barbara Jean Worthington Teter, 73, passed away peacefully within less than 6 weeks of each other at Soin Medical Center in Beavercreek, OH. John went home to be with Jesus on Wed, October 27, 2021. On Sun, December 5, 2021 Barbara joined him in Heaven.

Theirs was a love story for the ages. Meeting when they were mere teenagers living in Wakarusa, KS and Topeka, KS, respectfully, while attending the same church. John had the biggest crush on Barbara and eventually the feelings became mutual and turned into something deeper and more devoted than either could imagine. On Sept 20, 1966 they became husband and wife and would spend the next 55 years filling each other’s lives with laughter (lots and lots of laughter), tears, happiness, anger, and love; a love like no other.

John was retired Air Force as well as retired civil service. He was known for his wonderful sense of humor and could always be counted on to deliver a great one-liner; his laughter was infectious. He loved playing games and would usually win, especially if trivia was involved. He was a fountain of useful (and useless) information and was quick to share his knowledge with anyone willing to listen.

Barbara loved spending time in the kitchen and was known for baking delicious treats that she shared with family, friends, and neighbors. She also had a natural talent for cooking and creating elaborate cakes; she was well known for her Barbie Doll cakes and bikini cakes (a favorite among the men!). Of course, being a military wife was always a full time job in and of itself and she delighted in it!

They were both respected and greatly loved by those who knew them. Their house was filled with books (among numerous mementos from their travels); a passion that was passed on to their children. Anyone who ever went to dinner with them most likely share the same memory: Barbara acting embarrassed while John flirted with the server, but then laughing about it and teasing him later. They loved traveling and would take many spur of the moment trips that would often last longer than originally planned. Visiting hole in the wall local diners was a favorite past time and they always managed to find the best places to eat. They were so close they even dressed alike! If one was wearing purple, so was the other.

John & Barbara are survived by their four children: Cynthia Elaine (Mark) Houseknecht, Sherri Lynn (D.Scott) Routt, Jennifer Kristine (Jeff) Hendrixson Hebert, and Michael David (Allison) Teter. They delighted in being G-Ma and Pops, it was probably one of their most favorite things in the world. They leave behind 13 grandkids who absolutely adored them: Stephen Mark Houseknecht, Joshua Eric Routt, Rebekah Joy Houseknecht, David Jeremiah Houseknecht, Bryan Christopher Routt, Weston Andrew Hendrixson, Isaiah Paul Houseknecht, Hosea Michael Hendrixson, John Michael Teter, Elia Grace Hendrixson, Augusta Joy Teter, Leilani Grace Teter, and Jacob Santiago Hebert. John & Barbara are also survived by two of Barb’s younger brothers: Gary (Pam) Worthington and Wayne (Holly) Worthington as well as two of John’s sister, Patricia (Richard) Richardson and Peggy Beasterfeld. John and Barbara will be missed dearly by everyone who knew them.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 29, 2022 at First Church of the Nazarene 1001 SW Buchanan St, Topeka, KS 66604Topeka, KS. The family will greet friends an hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery, Topeka, KS.

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