Constance Jean “Connie” Ternus, 84, of Tama, passed away in June 16, 2026 at Birkwood Village in Toledo. In keeping with her wishes, Connie generously donated her body to the University of Iowa Deeded Body Program. Memorial Services are pending.

Connie was born August 23, 1941, at the University Hospital in Iowa City, the youngest of three children of Oren Mondo and Irene Juanita (Helleso) Long. She grew up in the Tama community alongside her brother, Robert Allen, and sister, Mary Frances.

Connie was exceptionally active during her years at Tama High School. As a freshman she participated in Pep Club, the music department, and FHA. Her sophomore year included service on the library staff, continued involvement in Pep Club, and being selected as a server for the Junior–Senior Prom. During her junior year she held a class office, was elected a cheerleader, and remained active in Pep Club and FHA. As a senior she again served as a cheerleader, participated in Pep Club, and was chosen by her classmates as a Homecoming attendant. Of all her activities, she most fondly remembered the halftime ceremonies of her senior Homecoming game.

Throughout high school Connie worked “in show business” at the Mills Theater and spent Saturdays as a “soda jerk” at the Tomahawk Sweet Shoppe. After graduation she worked at Marshalltown Company in Marshalltown.

On February 13, 1960, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Tama, Connie married the love of her life, Ivan Ternus. Growing up with only two siblings and without a religious tradition, she was eternally grateful to become part of the much larger Ternus family and adopt the Catholic faith. Together they raised four sons—Scott, Troy, Brett, and Jon—and were deeply involved in their children’s activities.

In February 1976, Connie and Ivan founded Ternus Electric, which became a respected and long‑standing business for more than 46 years. Connie’s energy and curiosity led her into many other roles over the years: she worked in real estate, served on the Tama City Council, and even spent a year as house mother for the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity at Iowa State University in Ames.

Connie often stated she was “not a sitter” and she lived that truth fully. She walked three to five miles a day and was always on the move. She and Ivan cherished their weekend “dates,” which began with church and frequently turned into two‑ or three‑hundred‑mile adventures. Connie’s outgoing nature made her a friend to everyone she met; she had a gift for striking up conversations with complete strangers. Her humor carried a sharp, sarcastic edge that those around her adored. One of the long‑running jokes in her life was the million dollars she claimed to keep tucked safely in her purse.

Connie is survived by her four sons: Scott (Virginia) of Fort Lauderdale, FL; Troy Ternus of Tama; Brett (Pamela) Ternus of Orlando, FL; and Jon (Melinda) Ternus of Leawood, KS; five grandchildren—Christian, Brendan, Katrina, Gretchen, and Owen Ternus; brothers‑in‑law Carroll Ternus of Van Horne, Lyle (Joanne) Ternus of Dysart, and Steve Ternus of Shellsburg; sisters‑in‑law Connie (Don) Smith of Franktown, CO, Diane Wieditz of Mesa, AZ, Julie (Darrell) Staley of Nevada, Barbara Mathes (Doug Wiesner) of Avondale, AZ, Linda of Charlotte, NC, Mary Geater of Vinton, Sandra Ternus of Sunrise, FL, and Kaye Ternus of Vinton; along with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ivan; her parents, Oren and Irene; her brother, Robert Long; her sister, Mary Parmley; brothers‑in‑law David, James, and Gary Ternus, Karl Wieditz, James Surber, Roger Geater, Donald Mathes, Thomas Parmley, and Dale Butler; and sisters‑in‑law Shirlene, Alene, Marlene, and Ronette Ternus.

A special thanks to the staff at Birkwood Village in Toledo who have assisted in her care the past nine months, and to her friends, neighbors and family that have looked out for her since Ivan’s passing in 2023.

A memorial fund will be established in her honor.