Obituary
Teresa Gail Ralph, 60, passed away on May 16 at Halifax Hospice Care Center, Port Orange.
Born October 10, 1957 in Richmond, KY to Beverly “Bill” and Rosalee Stepp, Teresa was the
third of 4 children. Teresa spent most of her childhood being raised in Irvine, KY and Franklin,
OH. In the late 1970’s, Teresa moved to FL where she led a fun filled life and discovered a joy
for gardening.
Teresa and her husband, Lance, met while working together and attending college in 1992
where Teresa was studying to become a nurse. Teresa and Lance wed on May 7, 1994 in Port
Orange, FL.
Teresa became a CNA/PCA with Hospice of Volusia/Flagler where she touched many lives with
her caring and compassion. She continued this work until 1999 when Teresa and Lance
moved to Murphy, NC.
While in NC, Teresa worked as a calibration technician for Micro Audiometrics. There she
continued to enjoy gardening and also found enjoyment in knitting.
Feeling the call to return to nursing, Teresa and Lance moved to Knoxville, TN in 2005. Teresa
worked for a number of different agencies caring for the elderly and also returned to her
passion for in-home hospice care.
Teresa retired from nursing in 2011 after surviving a fight with breast cancer. She found a love
in being a homemaker and caring for her family and pets.
Teresa and Lance returned to Port Orange, FL in 2017 to reconnect with family and friends.
She was diagnosed with lung cancer in February of 2018 and passed shortly thereafter.
Teresa was most at home while tending to her garden and caring for her family and friends.
She touched many lives with her unending love and compassion. She refused to let the
difficulties she endured to change her optimism and joy for life and could always be found with
a smile on her face and laughter and love in her heart.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, sisters and many beloved pets.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory, her loving husband of 24 years, Lance and
numerous nieces and nephews. The family has suggested memorials in her name to Halifax
Health Hospice Port Orange Care Center, 3800 Woodbriar Trail, Port Orange, FL 32129. They
will celebrate her life with a service on Friday, June 8, 2018 at 3:00 pm at the Halifax Health Hospice Port Orange Care Center Chapel. Baldwin Brothers Memorial Care,
Port Orange is in charge of arrangements.
Every day we meet people whose closets are filled with masks. There's usually one for every scenario and occasion. But not Teresa. In her closet, there was only a mirror. And it reflected back who she really was. And what that image was - was one worthy of being seen, of being known, and of being loved. And loved, she certainly was!
We were among a few of those who were lucky enough to have known her. And we certainly loved her so very much. Whenever we will reminisce - the image of her in our mind will make us smile - to observe her beauty, her grace, and her simplicity.