Teresa J. (Harris, Pifer) Hainge

Teresa J. (Harris, Pifer) Hainge, also known as Teri, passed away on July 1, 2025 at her home in Warsaw, IN.

She was born on April 18, 1950, to the late Maurice Harris and Maxine (Kinsey) Harris Pifer of Warsaw, IN. Teri embodied the spirit of adventure and lived her life with a vibrant and passionate heart.

Her spirit and legacy continue to live on in her family. She is survived by her loving daughter, Tiffany Lyon; her son, Ashton (Jenny) Hainge; her cherished grandchildren, Gage Lyon, Emily Wysong, Trinity Hainge (Mark MacRunnel) and Tobey, Laila, Hannah, Elizabeth, Alena, Ronen, Eliyana, Deren, Adelina and Tate Hainge; her sister, Melanie (James) Geiter; her lifelong friend and supportive companion, Dave Gildersleeve; her very best friend since childhood, Mary Beth Gaskill. She also leaves behind the many wonderful friends she made over her lifetime.

Teri was a valued and respected 1968 graduate of North Webster High School. Following graduation, she went on to attend McPherson College. After raising her family, her adventurous spirit led her to Albuquerque, New Mexico where in 2008, she proudly earned her CPhT (Certified Pharmacy Technician) degree from Pima Medical School. Teri set the bar with her rare dedication to helping others and her exemplary work ethic was noticed throughout her career.

She embraced a life filled with joyous activities. At the young age of 6 years old, she wore the mantle of the Warsaw Tigers’ mascot. In 1967, at the age of seventeen, Teri was a popular and remarkable beauty who was crowned in the Kosciusko County Fair Court.

Teri was an unconditional-loving grandma (Nina/Nana) who enjoyed shelling and searching for sea glass and rock hounding with her daughter and cherished grandchildren. Exploring America’s national parks, she loved nature, hiking and camping with her lifelong, best friend, Mary Beth. Teri had an enduring love for the Southwest and the cultures of Native Americans and connecting with her friends in the Navajo Nation.

Some of Teri’s main hobbies were antiquing, refinishing items and decorating. Making apple dumplings from scratch with her daughter was also high on Teri’s list of favorites, as well as the annual dinner at the Half Shell in Chicago with that fun Mary Beth girl.

Teri and her steadfast companion, Dave, enjoyed scenic drives together in the Corvette, visiting friends and family. They loved bringing people together through shared dinners in their home, particularly Dave's famous “Taco Tuesdays.”

A good friend said “Teri was one of the best. Kind and accepting with just enough grit to help her friends when they needed her.”

Mom, we love you dearly and will meet you near the willow tree.

In lieu of flowers, monetary donations to Mishler Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Teri's honor would help offset expenses and her family would be deeply grateful.

Services are yet pending with Mishler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 461 W 900 N, Milford, IN 46542, who is assisting the family with arrangements.