Teresa Marie Ziegler, of Batesville, passed away peacefully by her husband’s side in her home on the evening of March 20th, 2023. She lived 69 vibrant years, leaving behind beloved family members who are deeply saddened by her unexpected passing.
Born January 14th, 1954, Teresa was the third of five siblings who grew up in the hills of St. Mary’s, Indiana. She began her primary education at St. Mary’s of the Rock Catholic Elementary School and later attended Oldenburg Elementary School, where she completed her early learning. She graduated in 1972 from Immaculate Conception Academy in Oldenburg. She shared her first date with the love of her life on August 18th, 1973, when a young Bob Ziegler “met the prettiest girl in town.” They married on May 3rd, 1975, at her childhood home parish, St. Mary’s of the Rock Catholic Church, where Teresa formed her deep and lasting faith.
Family, the central and guiding purpose of her life, was above all else to Teresa. She delighted in caring for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandson, sharing her love of reading, singing, and baking. She was blessed to share her entire life with her best friend and soulmate Bob, sharing 49 years of laughter, love, and true partnership. Her compassion, kindness, and the warmth of her smile made her a welcomed friend to everyone she met. Teresa embodied the gift of warmheartedness, and perhaps one of the most extraordinary things to witness was how she embraced the most vulnerable and special of God’s children.
Teresa was a woman of deep faith and spent every Saturday morning quietly devoting herself at the St. Louis adoration chapel. Though humble and gentle, Teresa was a fierce prayer warrior. Only heaven knows the positive impact her many years of faithful devotion had on her family, friends, and the world. Her kindness and the light she shined on all she encountered makes the world feel a little less bright in her absence. Our treasured Nana will be deeply missed.
Teresa was preceded in death by her loving mother, Joyce Marie and father, Ben Ronnebaum, as well as her oldest brother, Larry Ronnebaum. Surviving family includes her adoring husband, Bob Ziegler; loyal siblings, Carol Becker, Ken (Brigid) Ronnebaum, Jim Ronnebaum, and John (Lisa) Ronnebaum; her treasured daughters, Amy Marie Ziegler Watson and Angela Ziegler; in addition to, the light of Teresa’s life, her grandchildren, Kirsten Marie Scalf (27), Karsyn (15), Jaxson (12), and Bella Watson(12); as well as her cherished great-grandson, Carter Scalf (11) and her constant companion Sammy, her little Bichon.
Visitation will be Monday, March 27th, from 4 – 7 p.m. at the Weigel Funeral Home. Funeral services are 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 28th at St. Mary’s of the Rock Church with Rev. Suresh Ganta officiating. Burial will follow at St. Anthony’s Cemetery. The family requests memorials to the Food For the Poor or the Batesville Food Pantry.