Address
Locke on 4th
1519 W 4th St.
Waterloo, IA 50702
Funeral Service
October 20, 2026
10:30 am – 11:30 am
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
311 15th Ave., Gilbertville, IA
Visitation Gathering
October 20, 2026
9:30 am – 10:30 am
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
311 15th Ave., Gilbertville, IA
Memorial Donations
- May be directed to the family
Teri Jo Hayes Phillips, 58, of Waterloo, died suddenly on Friday, October 9, 2026, following a short illness. She was born on December 26, 1967, the daughter of Roger and Joann Hesse Hayes. Teri received her bachelor’s degree from Upper Iowa University and worked as a social worker for Liberty Manor in Waterloo. On March 10, 2018, she married Zachary M. Phillips in Janesville. Teri and Zach met after both had survived a divorce and found comfort in one another, and before long, love followed.
There has never been a woman quite like Teri Phillips, and there never will be another one like her. She was a selfless, caring woman with a generous heart who was always willing to give of herself to help others. Teri spent much of her time helping people and making a difference in their lives. She was a volunteer ombudsman who served as an advocate for residents in various nursing homes. She often stood up for and advocated for everyone except herself. She and Zach had also opened their hearts and home as foster parents to countless children over the years, offering care and support to those who needed it.
Teri was also a huge Mickey Mouse fan. Her love for Mickey included trips to Disneyland, having her wedding guests all wear Mickey Mouse attire, and even receiving a pair of Mickey Mouse Crocs from Zach that looked online like exactly what she wanted. When they arrived, everyone discovered they were made for an infant, which led to lots of laughter and a memory they would never forget. Her love for Mickey Mouse was just one of the many things that made Teri so special.
Teri is survived by her husband, Zach, of Waterloo; son Nicholas (Christina) Stewart of Milwaukee; Duane Larson of Waterloo; stepfather Don McKenna of Cedar Falls; and many other family members and friends who will cherish her memory. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, parents, brother DJ McKenna, and many aunts and uncles.
Funeral services for Teri will be Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 10:30 AM at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 311 5th Ave., Gilbertville, with a time of visitation an hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Waterloo. Memorial contributions should be directed to the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.lockefuneralservices.com.
In honor of Teri and her love of Mickey Mouse, the family respectfully requests that all attendees wear Mickey Mouse attire.
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Love so much that you are doing the Mickey tribute, that is amazing. She must have been a great lady!! Sending all my prayers.
Our heartfelt condolences for you Zach and family. Teri was a sweet lady, driven by a desire to help others in every little and big thing she did. God bless your journey forward.
Much love,
Ronda and Tim and family
Hey Zach,
So sorry you guys have to go through this. Our thoughts and prayers šš for all of you.
Rick and Linda Phillips
Randy, Shirley and family, so sorry for your loss.Words seem so hollow. You are all in our thoughts and prayers May your faith guide you through this terrible tragedy. Much love from Carl and Nancy Larson.
I am so sorry for your loss. Hugs, love and prayers your way. Love you!
Zach, Duane and Nick I am so sorry for your loss. Teri was a one of a kind woman. I’m blessed to have met your family. My heart aches for you….
Sorry for your loss
Teri was one of the most caring empathetic genuine people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing we were co workers for several years and I truly enjoyed working with Teri
Rollie and I didn’t know Zach, but we do know you, Shirley and Randy. We are sending our love to Zach and you two! God bless each of you!
Very sorry to hear of this loss to Zach, the Phillips family, and the many people in Teri’s life who will miss her.
Fortunate to work with Teri at Bremwood 30 plus years ago when she pregnant with Nick. She was a great coworker, worked hard, and was always supportive and encouraging to others! Her laugh was contagious…we had many laughs! Prayers to her family.
Zach, so sorry to hear of your loss. Randy and Shirley sorry for your family.
Zach and family so sorry for your loss.
To the family of Teri Philips so, sorry for your loss of dear Teri,a very special person who help so,many residents of Liberty Manor. I will never forget her and her love of Mickey Mouse. Hope her family are doing okay especially Duane A angel is watching over you ,now until you will be with your mom again,
Our sympathies to Zach, Randy, Shirley, and others who loved Teri. We pray for peace and comfort to all of you.
Randy and Shirley,
So very sorry for your loss, sounds like she was a very special gal, our Sympathies to Zach and all of your family!
We lost our son-in-law 9 years ago today and it is tough to see your children have yo go through this trajic loss!
Randy and Shirley, sending our condolences to you and your family. May faith, family and friends bring you comfort.
I met Teri at Liberty Manor when I used to teach Exercise Classes over there. She had a contagious smile & laugh, and just being around her for a short time on Mon & Wed mornings, I could sure tell that she loved the residents who live there, and I could tell that she put her heart and her energy into her job there. I also enjoyed seeing all of her Mickey Mouse Stuff in her office. I will keep her family lifted up in prayer often. šš
Zach, Duane and Nick and extended family, We are so sorry for your loss. The time God gives us with our loved ones seems to never be enough. May you be comforted in His arms through this hard time. Our prayers are with you.
I am sorry for your loss. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. May you find strength and more importantly peace during such a time. For she has gone home.
Zach, Iām sorry for your loss. When I lost my wife 8 years ago, Teri made sure I knew that I still had value. She met with monthly for a number of months to be sure I was okay. We would talk about social work stuff and she would talk about you and the people you were supporting. I learned last night of her death and I was shocked. Again Iām sorry for your loss.