Theresa Marie Westhoff, 65, longtime area resident, died Thursday, February 18, 2016 in Greeley following a valiant battle with cancer that was fought with incredible grace and strength from God.

She was born July 13, 1950 in Brush to Verdan "Dutch" and Eva (Chilcote) Westhoff, second of six children. She attended local schools, graduating from Fort Morgan High School in 1968. She spent a number of years in Belfield, North Dakota before returning to Morgan County in 1985.

Theresa was a devout member of Saint Helena's Catholic Church in Fort Morgan.

She was a self-taught carpenter and could build practically anything. She enjoyed making furniture and even finished her own basement. An avid animal lover, she found companionship with her cherished puppies and spent many hours feeding and watching the native birds. Theresa also worked with stained glass, was an accomplished seamstress, and loved working in her garden. She was an impressive cook and enjoyed being surrounded by family and friends to sample her wares. Family was truly the foundation of her life and she held her friends close to her heart.

She is survived by one daughter, Haley Ruhl of Wiggins; two sons, Landon Westhoff (Sabrina), of Fort Morgan and Eric Klem (Carrie) of Briggsdale; her mother, Eva Westhoff-Jones of Fort Morgan; one brother, Stephen Westhoff (Elaine) of Bellingham, Washington; three sisters, Debra Sagel (Gary) of Fort Morgan, Colleen Meredith of Parker, and Becky Groves-Silz (Martin) of Fort Morgan; and her beloved grandchildren, Abree, Tavin, Macie, Kayl, Noah, Jade, Dakota, and Tyson. She loved nothing more in this world than her God and her grandchildren.

Theresa will be mourned by numerous nieces, nephews and friends who adored her, as she did them.

She was preceded in death by her father, Verdan "Dutch" Westhoff; one sister, Frances Westhoff; and her brother-in-law, Dave Groves.

There will be a Rosary Vigil on Tuesday, February 23, 2016 beginning at 7:00 PM at the Heer Mortuary in Fort Morgan.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, February 24, 2016 at 10:00 AM at Saint Helena's Catholic Church in Fort Morgan. Interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery in Fort Morgan.

Memorial donations may be made to Catholic Relief Services or the Fort Morgan Humane Society.

In the words of Mother Teresa:

"At the hour of death when we come face-to-face with God, we are going to be judged on love; not how much we have done, but how much love we put into the doing… Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love."

This was our Theresa…