TERESA LINK

Teresa Link (Erkie), 86, Belton, MO, died peacefully May 2, 2015, surrounded by her loving family. Born May 9, 1928 in Hanks, North Dakota, the youngest child of Ervin and Katherine Erkie. Teresa was a coal miner's daughter and lost her father at an early age. It was a proud moment in 1946 when she graduated from college and became a teacher. She shared that she had many happy memories of her students and experiences as a teacher. Teresa and her beloved husband of 46 years, Elwood (Al), moved their large family to Peculiar and later, to Belton, Missouri. Faith, family and friends were always the most important. Teresa loved her family and spent her lifetime, alongside her beloved Al, now deceased, raising their 9 children. Teresa and Al were very active in their church, St. Sabina's, Belton. They were among the first students in the newly formed Adult Faith Formation classes at St. Sabina at one point being the only two students in an early Bible Study. Teresa was an inaugural member of the Legion of Mary, a ministry of prayer and service at St. Sabina. Holding the positions of President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer, Teresa was a lifelong member attending her last meeting the week before her death. Teresa loved her church and remained present and active in her faith community until her death, always ready and willing to help out when and where she was needed.

Teresa is survived by and blessed in this life by her nine children, Robert Link, Belton, Timothy Link, Belton, Teresa Carter, Belton, Mary Winkert (Bill) Belton, Michael Link (Mary), St. Paul, MN, Jeanne Tolle (Don) Greenwood, MO, Fr. Matthew Link, San Francisco, CA, Patrick Link (Shelly), Peculiar, MO and Paul Link (Shelly) Pleasant Hill, MO. She taught us to be grateful. Teresa is also survived by her sister, Louella Ortberg, Jamestown, ND, 19 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and 2 great, great children, a large extended family and many good and faithful friends. She loved us dearly. Teresa was always grateful for her loving caregivers/companions, Liz, Lois, Judy, Terri, Marilyn and Mollie. They became like family to Teresa.

No one loves us quite like a good Mom and Teresa was that. No matter what, Teresa never stopped loving. Never an unkind word, Teresa lived these words found written on a scrap of paper in her prayer book, "It is not within everyone's power to be beautiful, but all of us can make sure the words that come out of our mouths are." Strong, faithful, beautiful and loving until the very end, Teresa will be greatly missed.

Funeral Mass will be 10 AM Friday, May 8, 2015 at St. Sabina Catholic Church with burial in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Rosary will be 6 PM Thursday, May 7th at the Church with visitation to follow 6:30-8 PM. Memorials may be made to the St. Sabina 700 Trevis Ave. Belton, MO 64012.

Arrangements: Cullen Funeral Home, Raymore, MO (816)322-5278