Teri Jean Hart

Teri Jean Hart, age 64, of Hays, Kansas went to be with our Lord after passing away peacefully at home on September 15, 2023. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, loyal daughter, affectionate caregiver and faithful friend.

Teri was born to Otto R. Jr and Rachel J. (Woods) Rohla in Concordia, Kansas on June 21, 1959. Along with her parents, she and her older sister Jody Robertson and younger brother Otto ‘Ross’ Rohla III moved to Colby, KS in 1966 where she spent most of her youth. After graduating from Colby High School, Teri obtained her LPN license at Colby Community College in 1979 and it is there she first discovered her passion for nursing those in need with her exceptional caregiving abilities. She especially loved helping her elders. Teri had found her calling.

Fresh out of college Teri began her long and successful nursing profession at St. Anthony Hospital in Hays, Kansas 44 years ago, and a year later she fell in love with her husband Ronald James Hart. They happily married on June 8, 1984. Teri and Ron were blessed to become parents to Jesse Alexander Hart and Rayna Michelle Hart. Teri was a wonderful wife and mother. Throughout this period in her life she took nursing classes at Fort Hays State University to improve upon her skills.

Precisely ten years after starting her professional career, Teri completed the Nursing program at Fort Hays State University, passed state boards and added BSN, RN to her credentials. Teri had reaffirmed her calling.

Throughout her cherished RN career Teri was recognized with numerous awards such as the Daisy Team Award and became a national Cherokee Inspired Comfort Award nominee. She belonged to the FHSU Honor Society’s Nu Zeta Chapter, Sigma Theta Tau International. Her years of devotion to nursing culminated with her being bestowed the Sister Mary J. Mollison, RN ‘Nurse of the Year Award’ at HaysMed in 2020.

Beyond those within her own home, Teri was blessed and loved by a large family whom also thought the world of her. Along with her many aunts, uncles and cousins she kept in touch with, Teri was adored by all her 4 parents, 6 siblings, 14 nieces and nephews plus 26 great nieces and nephews as well as all their spouses. Teri was a friendly and sincere person and her extended family witnessed her kindness firsthand and she knew they loved her back. Teri influenced a lot of her young relatives to eventually seek their own various medical professions.

Teri will also be remembered as a great friend to many. Teri was an affectionate person and a natural for making friends. Many of her dearest friends were those in various medical fields, those she had given care for, and some of her closest friends have even known her since grade school. Whether at HaysMed, Daylight Donuts, Church, ball games, at home, or shopping, Teri always brought her special gift of kindness.

Teri had an adventurous side including traveling the US; whether by motorcycle, plane, train, automobile, snowmobile, yacht, canoe, 18-wheelers or ferry. She always enjoyed bringing others along to share her joy and make new friends.

Teri is survived by her husband, Ronald J. Hart; her children, Jesse A. Hart and Rayna M. Hart; her mother, Rachel J. Rohla; her mother-in-law, Phyllis F. Hart; as well as many siblings, family and friends.

Teri was preceded in death by her father, Otto R. Rohla Jr; her father-in-law, William F. Hart; and her great nephew, Rylan A. Gier.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, September 21, 2023, at the First United Methodist Church, 305 Ash Street, Hays, Kansas with Pastor Craig Hauschild and Rev. Cana Moore Officiating. Burial will be in Fort Hays Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Hays, Kansas.

Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Wednesday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, and from 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. Thursday, at the First United Methodist Church.

The family suggests memorials made payable to the organizations, Wichita Cancer Foundation, Cancer Council of Ellis County, or Fort Hays State University Foundation {Nursing Department} in care of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601.

Condolences can be sent via e-mail to clinesmortuary@eaglecom.net or left on Teri's tribute page at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com