Terri LeAnn O’Brien — Davis Funeral Home

Terri LeAnn Curtis O’Brien, 53, of Lone Jack, Missouri, passed away in her home on October 14, 2024. Terri was a devoted wife, loyal daughter, cherished sister, loving grandmother, aunt, and an extraordinary friend. Those closest to her described her as a headstrong woman whose heart radiated kindness and compassion, always dedicated to helping others
Terri was born on June 11, 1971, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, Illinois, to Jack Claude Curtis Sr. and Veva (Cochran) Curtis. She was the youngest of three children. She married the love of her life, William “Bill” Edward O’Brien, on October 20, 2012. The couple spent nearly 12 years in Odessa, Missouri, before recently moving to Lone Jack in May 2024, where Terri embraced the peace and beauty of country living. She especially loved the open space for their grandchildren to run a muck.
Terri attended school in the Lewis County School District and graduated from Highland High School in 1989. She spent one year at Northwest Missouri State University before returning home to begin her working life. Her professional journey took her to many places, including managing the 18-Wheeler Restaurant in Taylor, Missouri, and working as a paralegal in Palmyra, Missouri. In late 2004, she relocated to the Kansas City area, where she joined Lincare in January 2005. When asked about her significance at work, Terri’s colleagues say, “We don’t know how she did everything she did,” and affectionately recall her as the person who “kept the office running.” Terri was just four months shy of completing 20 years of dedicated service at Lincare.
Outside of work, Terri cherished every moment spent with family and friends. She adored her grandchildren and embraced every opportunity to play with them. For over 15 years, Terri and her beloved travel companion, Adrianna, explored the world together, visiting destinations like Greece, Egypt, Costa Rica, Portugal, and Ireland. She was known for returning from her travels with thoughtful souvenirs for her loved ones, a testament to her joy in giving. Terri’s warmth extended into her handmade gifts, as she crocheted blankets and “Christmas bells” each year for family and friends, often infusing her humor into gifts with personalized joke-items that celebrated her close relationships.
Terri was an enthusiastic fan of “her” St. Louis Cardinals and frequently attended Kansas City Mavericks hockey games. She and Bill shared a love for Professional Bull Riding events, dirt track races, and tractor pulls, often cheering alongside family and friends. Among her few personal indulgences were vibrant jewelry, her well-manicured and naturally-grown fingernails, and her cherished collection of Precious Moments figurines.
Terri is survived by her devoted husband, Bill O’Brien; his children, Amanda Menke (Jerry) of Shawnee, KS, Katie O’Brien of Quincy, IL, and Nick O’Brien (Morgan) of Milwaukee, WI; and her beloved grandchildren, Makinze, Tatum, and Zekaius Menke, and Nadia O’Brien. She is also survived by her parents, Jack Sr. and Veva Curtisx of La Belle, MO; her siblings, Cathy Cook of Erlanger, KY and Jack Curtis Jr. (Carol) of Taylor, MO; nephews, Adam, Odie Jr., and Mark Cook, and Jack Curtis III; and her favorite niece, Samantha Williams. She leaves behind many cousins, great-nieces and nephews from the Curtis and Cochran families, as well as close friends, including her adventurous travel companion, Adrianna Breshears Monks Hall, and her “work besties,” Kellie Mansell Ware, Stephanie Johnson, Stacey Brown, and her St Louis Cardinals-loving colleagues (even the one who won’t admit to being a fan).
Terri was preceded in death by her in-laws, Clara (Hummel) and Mike O’Brien, and her brother-in-law, Odie Cook Sr.
Services will take place at Ball-Davis Funeral Home in Ewing, Missouri. Terri’s visitation will be held this Friday, October 18 from 4:00-8:00 PM, with the funeral service on Saturday, October 19 at 10:00 AM with Pastor Rusty Schultz officiating. Following the funeral, Terri will be laid to rest in Calvary Cemetery in Quincy, Illinois.
The family suggests memorials be made to Disabled American Veterans.
Online condolences may be left at www.davis-fh.com.
Pallbearers will be: Adam Cook, Odie Cook Jr, Mark Cook, Jerry Menke, Nick O’Brien and JC Curtis III.