On Monday, January 30, 2023, Therese (Terry) Ahern (Melinauskas) of Lake Barrington, IL was called home to meet her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was 72 years old.

Terry was born to Charles Melinauskas and Jean Strezo on March 3, 1950 and was the oldest of 7 children. She had a passion for teaching which led her to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Curriculum & Instruction. She spent over 30 years in the classroom serving as both a full-time and substitute teacher, where her knowledge, kindness, compassion, and desire to see each child thrive shone through everyday. 

Terry also combined her passion for teaching and mentoring with her love for Jesus to form a non-profit organization, Reining Heart Ranch, focused on working with teen and adolescent girls to help ensure a solid life foundation from which to grow. The mission was to help them discover their true identity in Christ through learning that God loves them and created them for His plans and purposes. In every interaction she had Terry sought to share the good news of Jesus and how to accept His free gift of eternal life by making Him your Lord and Savior.

Terry is survived by her daughters Julie Rillo and Jennifer Barrett (Jon), her granddaughter Kayla Rillo, her siblings Charles (Chuck) Melinauskas (Anna), Robert (Bob) Melinauskas (Nancy), Kathy Roehl, Jim Melinauskas (Karen), Julie Vidra, and Steve Melinauskas, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Per her request, there will not be a showing or funeral. People who wish to send memorial donations may do so to J Squared Foundation at www.jsquaredfoundation.org/te….

“His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’” (Matthew 25:21, NKJV)

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