Terry McAnally

December 26, 1941 - October 24, 2019

Terry McAnally Des Moines - Terry McFerren McAnally, 77, passed away October 24, 2019 in Charlotte, NC while visiting her family. She was born in December 1941 in Webster City, IA to the late Maynard and Eunice McFerren. Terry's father passed away in 1945 in WWII and her mother died two years later of cancer. She grew up in Britt, IA with Leon and Luella Hanson, her mom's sister and family. Their son, Donald, and their daughter, Joan, became her brother and sister. Terry said she was so fortunate to be raised in this loving family. She was also proud of her own family. They will miss her guiding influence, positive outlook, and kind heart. Terry earned a B.A. in Home Economics (Family and Consumer Science) from UNI in 1963, and a Master of Science in Education from Drake in 1990. She taught Home Economics in Guthrie Center, IA (1963-65). She married Larry McAnally in 1964. Terry taught Family and Consumer Science in Ankeny, IA (1965-70, 1975-2003). Terry is survived by her son, Brent McAnally (Sheila) and their daughter, Lillian of Charlotte, NC; daughter, Michele McAnally of Adel, IA; sister, Joan Dohrer (Don) of Hatton, MO; and brother, Don Hanson (Blanche) of Kingdom City, MO. She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry. The family will receive friends from 5:00-8:00 pm on Friday, November 1, 2019 at United Methodist Church, 206 SW Walnut St., Ankeny, IA. A memorial service will be held 11:00 am Saturday, November 2nd at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to United Methodist Church; the MS Society; or PEO, Chapter LQ. Condolences may be offered at www.harryandbryantfuneralhome.com or www.dyamondmemorial.com From Michele McAnally: Thank you for all the kind words and prayers our family has received. It has been a comfort during this difficult time. My mother was one of a kind and I will miss her dearly. I've been reflecting on her life. She is a person that has been honed by adversity and turned into a gem. She lost her parents early in her life but she landed in a wonderful family that provided her with love and guidance. She was very close to her sister Joan and brother Butch even thought he spent most of their childhood teasing her. She said it made her stronger. Her parents Leon and Luella were a class act and I have such wonderful memories of them. She had many nieces and nephews that she was close to as well as their children. My father was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis when they were in their early thirties. His MS was very severe and he eventually ended up at Sunnyview Care Center in Ankeny. My mom used to take care of my dad, walk two miles every morning, and make my brother and I a warm breakfast and dinner every night. When I look back I don't know how she did it. She was an active member of PEO Chapter LQ (Philanthropic Education Organization) since 1972. Her mother Luella was a PEO and I am also a PEO. She served in many offices and rarely missed a meeting. She was very involved in Ankeny United Methodist Church. She did service projects, was always peeling potatoes and cooking meals for the homeless, and served on many committees. She volunteered at Sunnyview Care center frequently. She would talk to me about how she loved to have people tell her their life story. She had many friends that she played bridge with. She was surrounded by so many caring kind people. Every time I talked to her she would tell me about someone she was helping with this or that. Everywhere she went people were attracted to her and she'd frequently end up having long conversations with whomever she sat next to. She had a special way of walking into a room and making everyone feel comfortable. She lived a life dedicated to service. She was a person of absolute integrity. She was a teacher for many years in Ankeny. Most students got to sew a gym bag in my mom's class. She has some pretty funny stories about kids learning to cook. She could definitely walk into a kitchen or room and take charge. I called it "Teacher Terry mode". She had an amazing work ethic and I loved to have her help me with projects around the house because she knew how to get things done. She was also a great cook and hostess. My mom and I were best friends. I'd go to her house every Sunday for dinner and we would have 3 hour conversations "solving the worlds problems". We always Skyped with my brother Brent's family. She was crazy about her granddaughter Lilly. She had many "shrines" dedicated to Lilly in her home. The three of us loved to create and film movies when we were together. We had a lot of laughs and fun. Mom and I traveled the world together. Some of the places we visited were Europe, Egypt, Morocco, Costa Rica, Peru, China and India. I have so many great memories. Our last trip together was to Charlotte. I remember pausing on the plane and just savoring the moment and feeling blessed that I was given this great mentor in life. We learned so much from each other. It was a beautiful life. Due to my father's long illness my family was very open about death and dying. My mother had no fear of death. Her faith was in God's love for everyone. She gave us the gift of a living will so we did not have to question our decision. I am so grateful that she spent her last days with her family and that I was with my brother Brent through this whole journey. Her brother and sister flew in right away and having them there helped so much. My brother's wife Sheila cut short her visit to Iowa to return and support the family. My mother was a light in this world. Her light has not gone out. It lives on in all the lives she has touched. This is the gift we give each other. The light right now is blinding. I love you like crazy mom. This world will never be the same. Love, Michele