Teri Lynn Werner

Teri Lynn (Denton) Werner began her life on December 19th, 1954 in El Dorado and she departed this Earth with grace, dignity and strength on May 8th, 2026. Born to Butch and Billie Denton, she spent her early years growing up in El Dorado. She loved to be surrounded by friends, doing everything from camping and water skiing to random road trips and bowling; to even taking home the 1972 class 4A state championship in Forensics Duet Acting. After graduating from El Dorado High School, she attended Butler Junior Community College.

In 1974 Teri stole the heart of Michael Stephen Werner with her unforgettable steely blue eyes that lit up every room and left a lasting impression on all who knew her (but especially Mike). On March 2, 1974 the two were married and began a partnership built on strength from each other during the good times and even the hard ones. While living in St. Joseph, Missouri, they began their loving family with the birth of Jason, soon followed by Nick. During this time, she was working as a surgical tech, and spent her free time attending Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals games and many music concerts, especially rock and roll. In 1983, they moved their family back to Cunningham, Kansas, where they completed their family with the arrival of Barret followed by Shelbi. Teri took on the hardest job of them all, and began staying home to take care of the family.

They had a house where everyone was welcome. In 1989, Teri, Mike and the kids found the place they would forever call home in Larned, Kansas. After moving to Larned, she worked at CKMC for five years, before finding her career in the Kansas Department of Corrections. She worked there for twenty-one years and won the Non-Uniformed Employee of the Year in 2008. While the children grew up, Teri followed them to every school activity and sporting event, traveling far and wide to make sure she was there to watch on as they succeeded. She was devoted to all of her children and fiercely advocated for her daughter, Shelbi, following her diabetes diagnosis at the young age of 7. She was the person who showed up for those she loved most no matter what.

Teri was loyal, stubborn and immensely brave. You knew exactly what she was thinking with one look at her facial expression. She was known for her ever-changing hairstyles and love for animal print, reflecting her vibrant personality, creativity and fearless sense of fun. She had a gift for making others laugh, finding joy in life’s simple moments and sharing that happiness with everyone around her. She loved monkeys so much she'd slap your face, if you know, you know.

Teri will be forever remembered and treasured for her fun-loving spirit, infectious laughter, warm smile and above all, her love for her family.

Survivors include: husband Michael Werner, Larned; three sons, Jason Werner, Lyons, Nick Werner, Larned, Barret Werner, Pratt; grandson, Beckett Werner; bonus grandson, Vence Van Der Vyer; mother-in-law, Betty Werner, Kansas City, Kansas; brother-in-law, Tim Werner, Wichita, sister-in-law, Ed and Susie Werner-Nelson, Kansas City, Kansas; brothers-in-law Tom and Amy Werner, Omaha, Nebraska, John Werner, and Chris and Lori Werner, all of Kansas City, Kansas; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; longtime friends, Terri Lemon, St. Joseph, Missouri, Terri Cook-Baker, El Dorado; and all her wiener dogs, past and present.

She was preceded in death by: her parents, Butch and Billie Denton; daughter, Shelbi Werner; sisters-in-law, Sally Jo Werner and Renae Werner; and father-in-law, Maurice “Moe” Werner.

Memorial service will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at Beckwith Mortuary Chapel, Larned, with Pastor Jarred Smith presiding. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at Beckwith Mortuary with family present from 5-7 p.m. The family requests you wear your favorite sports attire to the service.

Memorials may be given to Larned High School Booster Club in care of Beckwith Mortuary, PO Box 477, Larned, Kansas 67550. Personal condolences may be left at www.beckwithmortuary.com.

Teri and her family extend a heartfelt thank you to her support team at the Dreiling Schmidt Cancer Center in Hays and Pawnee Valley Community Hospital in Larned. The family extends a special thank you to her medical team: Marley Palmer and Becky Lemuz; all the staff at Gentiva Hospice Group, especially Sheyane. May the perpetual light shine on our soul.