Terry K. Kanitz

Teresa “Terry” Kay Kanitz, 67, of Moundridge, KS and formerly of McPherson, KS, peacefully passed away on Friday, November 15, 2024, surrounded by family at her home in Moundridge. 

Terry was born on August 19, 1957, in McPherson, KS, the daughter of Ronald Keith and Patricia “Pat” Helen (Casebeer) Anderson. She graduated from Lawrence High School in 1975. In March of 1977, Terry was united in marriage to Stanley “Stan” Ray Kanitz. This union was blessed with two children, Dustan and Jessica. 

Being able to stay home and raise her children was always a priority to Terry. When her kids were young, she owned and operated a daycare out of her home in Hutchinson for many years to make it possible to be at home with them. After moving the family to McPherson, she was hired as the office manager for McPherson CopyRight where she dedicated 26 years of service. She then went on to become the office manager for the family business of Casebeer, Inc, while also caring full-time for her Grandma Dorothy in her home. Terry was the ultimate caregiver to anyone in need and the love she poured into her family will always be her legacy to all who knew her. 

With her sparkling blue eyes and ready smile, Terry relished the life she was blessed with and loved her children and grandchildren with her entire being. She was always planning the next Nana sleepover where she’d have all of the grandkids over to her house for the night. These events were favorites among them all and there was forever an ongoing countdown to the next one. Her Nana duties didn’t stop there. Terry traveled the state for many years to support and watch her grandsons play sports. Whether it was football, basketball, baseball, or track and field, she was there cheering them on (and keeping the officials in line). Terry also enjoyed flowers, butterflies, gardening and shopping. Family was very important to her and she thoroughly cherished time spent with immediate and extended family. 

When Terry was young, she acquired the nickname “Tessie Belle” given to her by her Grandpa Leonard Anderson. Mom, sister and aunts still affectionately use that special name. 

Christmas was her favorite holiday and her daughter and grandchildren put up the Christmas tree and decorated in time for Terry to celebrate the birth of her Lord and Savior one last time in the weeks prior to her passing. 

Terry had a special relationship with her Lord. Attending church at NewSpring in Wichita was always a highlight of her week. Singing, dancing, and worshipping was her passion and filled her with such joy. Her top priority was to make sure her children and grandchildren grew to know and love the Lord. She went home to Jesus with the assurance that she had done her job well. 

She won’t return to us but we will all go to her. All of the pain and suffering and tears will be cast away forever. Only the love and joy will remain. 

Terry is survived by her children, Dustan (Brooke) Kanitz and Jessica Koehn, all of Moundridge, KS; mother, Pat Anderson of Moundridge, KS; brother, Rick (Alice) Anderson of Lawrence, KS; sister, Kim (Tim) Schafer of McPherson, KS; 11 grandchildren, Riley Koehn, Madison Koehn, Kreighton Kanitz, Lincoln Koehn, Kaizer Kanitz, Kash Kanitz, Kemper Koehn, Steele Koehn, Kager Kanitz, Crew Koehn, and Henley Koehn; two nephews, George Schafer and Jamie Schafer, both of McPherson, KS; a niece, Shannon (Chad) Paulk of Manhattan, KS; and many extended relatives and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her father, Ron Anderson. 

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at Grace Crossing Church, 111 Cole St., Moundridge with lunch following at The Opera Block Venue, 101 S. Christian Ave., Moundridge.  To view a livestream broadcast of the service, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

Memorial donations can be made to NewSpring's Project Generosity in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.