Theresa B. Case

Theresa B. Case, 91, of Flat Rock, IL, passed away on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Woodlands Care Center in Newburgh, IN.

She was born on October 9, 1934, in Cannelburg, IN, the daughter of James Bradley & Anna (Brewer) Bradley. She grew up outside Montgomery, IN, one of fourteen children, in a household large enough that "family" wasn't just a word. It was the whole world. The family farmed, and so did Theresa. Those long days gave her something that stayed with her the rest of her life: a work ethic that was simply part of who she was.

She graduated from Montgomery High School in 1952 and married Chester Case on April 19th of that same year. They would go on to build a full life together, each playing a part to provide for their family. For sixteen years, she worked at Reynolds Spring Factory in Vincennes (later known as Johnson Controls), making springs for car seats. She and Chester co-owned and operated the Bird's Nest Tavern in Birds for ten years. And for eighteen years, she drove a school bus for Unit #2 in the Robinson area. She made real friends through that work and spoke of it fondly. It really mattered to her.

She was a hard worker; everyone who knew her knew that. She was also stubborn, opinionated, and feisty (and she didn't much care who knew that either). She was a woman who fearlessly spoke her mind. She had a dry sense of humor that not everybody caught, and her family was rarely in on the joke (though her friends usually were).

Still, she had always been generous—with both her time and money—with people and causes she quietly supported. What softened over the years was the way she showed it. When she moved into assisted living, she looked out for the residents who couldn't look after themselves. And somewhere along the way, phone calls with her family started ending with "I love you." For those who knew her well, that meant something.

Through all of it—the farm, the factory floor, the bus routes, the years of raising a family—Theresa's faith in Jesus was the thread that ran underneath. She was a member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Robinson, where she worshipped the One who made death into a doorway to eternal life. And because of that faith, her family rests in the assurance that the life they remember isn't gone. She's just gone home. 

She is survived by her children, Douglas (Brenda) Case, Sue (Pete) Burzyski, Tony (Alibeth) Case, and Kathy (Tony) Richards; her grandchildren, Cibyll (Allan) Towles, Kaleb Culver, Kyle (Jenna) Culver, Myka Whitaker, Adam (Jessica) Case, Aaron (Andrea) Case, Mara (Brandon) Austin, Taylor Scott, and Tyra (Tanner) Hand; eight great-grandchildren; her sister, Catherine Paolucci; her brother, Gary (Beverly) Bradley; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Chester Case; her daughter, Karen Otwell; her grandson, Eric Case; and seven brothers and four sisters.

A time of visitation will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:50 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6th, at Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. Following a procession to the church, a funeral mass will be held at 1:00 p.m. at the Saint Elizabeth Catholic Church with Father David Beagles officiating. Burial will be in Robinson New Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, with envelopes available at the funeral home.