Published on August 14, 2025 9:54 am
Last Updated on August 14, 2025 2:47 pm
Terry Lee Key, age 70, of rural Montrose, Illinois, passed away at 12:10 PM – Tuesday August 12, 2025, in rural Montrose, Illinois.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM – Monday, August 18, 2025, at Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Montrose, Illinois, with Father Dennis Koopman, OFM, celebrating mass. The burial will be in the Saint Rose Cemetery north of Montrose, Illinois. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 PM – Sunday, August 17, 2025, at the church. In loving memory of Terry, memorials may be made for Terry’s grandchildren’s education Fund c/o Barbara Key. The obituary can be viewed and condolences left at www.meyerfh.com. The arrangements are under the care of the Meyer Funeral Home in Dieterich, Illinois.
Terry was born on April 10, 1955, in Mattoon, Illinois, the son of Frank and Ella Mae (Gaskill) Key. He graduated from Newton Community High School with the Class of 1973. After high school he attended Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois, and graduated in 1977.
Terry was united in marriage to Barbara Westendorf on July 7, 1979, at Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Effingham, Illinois.
Terry retired after 42 years of service at the former Siemer Enterprises, now Prince Corp in Teutopolis, Illinois. He was a lifelong farmer working alongside his brother farming the Key Family Farm.
Terry was a member of Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church and Teutopolis Knights of Columbus.
Terry was an avid sports fan. Watching Chicago Bears football, Indiana Hoosier basketball and golf were his favorite pastimes on weekends. Friday night football at the Newton High School Stadium was also a must every week of the season, especially when the grandsons were playing on the field to cheer on. Since Terry’s retirement he has enjoyed riding his 4-wheeler to visit the neighbors, taking care of his crops in the fields and golfing with his sons and grandsons.
Terry is survived by:
Wife of 46 years – Barbara Key
Children – Maria (Eric) Spiker, Montrose, Illinois; Tony (Megan) Key, Westerville, Ohio; and Doug (Kate) Key of Powhatan, Virginia
Grandchildren – Daniel Spiker, Ryan Spiker, Mitchell Spiker, Jamari Key, Griffin Key, Eve Key, Celeste Key, and Grayson Key
Mother – Ella Mae Key of Montrose, Illinois
Brother – Keith (Correanna) Key of Montrose, Illinois
Father-in-law – Vincent Westendorf of Effingham, Illinois
Brothers-in-law – Bob Westendorf of Effingham, Illinois; Jerry (Diane) Westendorf, Effingham, Illinois; Dave (Paula) Westendorf, Teutopolis, Illinois; and Don Ochs of Newton, Illinois
Terry was preceded in death by his father Frank Key, grandparents Charles and Minnie Key and Everett and Verona Gaskill, mother-in-Law Catherine Westendorf, and sisters-in-law Marlene Ochs and Jan Westendorf.