Terrie Sue (Melich) Vanderpool

Terrie Sue Vanderpool

December 13, 1954-June 13, 2025

It was about 9:15 when the mothership first arrived.
The sky was angry that night, like an old man trying to send back soup in a deli. As the big-eyed, gray aliens escorted her up the ramp, we screamed, “Don’t go into the light!” Alas, it was too late… she was gone.

Terrie Sue (Melich) Vanderpool, age 70, of Monroe, left us unexpectedly on Friday, June 13, 2025, at ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital, surrounded by her family and friends.

Whether on safari in Africa, sailing down the Nile to the Great Pyramids, climbing Machu Picchu, studying the dark arts in the Caribbean, or shopping the Magnificent Mile in Chicago, Terrie embraced life fully. But her favorite place was closer to home-sitting on the back patio on a sunny day, surrounded by her sun collection, watching the squirrels chase each other, and all the birds flying around the yard, hoping her favorite chipmunk, Chippy, would make an appearance.

We’re certain Terrie has already begun searching for intelligent life on other planets-especially since she often joked, she had trouble finding any on this one.

Terrie will be remembered for her beauty, kindness, hospitality, humor, artistic spirit, impeccable fashion sense, and legendary holiday caramel apples.

She was born on December 13, 1954, and graduated from Saint Mary’s Academy in Monroe, Michigan, in 1973. Terrie worked at the Monroe County Youth Center for 30 years, retiring in 2011. During that time, she touched the lives of hundreds of troubled teens with compassion and grace.

Terrie is survived by her husband of 40 years, James (Roscoe) Vanderpool; beloved children Megan (Andrew) Grimes, Nicholas (Kelly) Vanderpool; and stepson Adam Miller. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Jack, Max, and Nori. Also surviving are her brothers Jamie (Kelli) Melich and Mark (Lydia) Melich; sisters-in-law Deana Vanderpool, Julie (Jim) Panza, and Peggy Vanderpool; numerous nieces and nephews, and lifelong friends Shelly (William) Brown, Veronica (Christopher) LaBeau, Polly (John) Minke, and Jacqueline Ellis.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clayton and Betty Melich, and her mother-in-law, Sally (Dean) Vanderpool.

In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place.

To honor her memory, friends may gather at Rupp Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, from 3–8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice.