Steve Womack

WASHINGTON -- Terri Womack, the wife of U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, died Sunday, the Rogers congressman announced Tuesday. She was 68 years old.

Rep. Womack's office released an obituary saying his wife died at a Bentonville hospice facility following "a brief illness."

"My heart is broken and that space remains without her presence," the congressman said.

"I take comfort in knowing she is no longer suffering in pain and is at peace evermore. Her legacy of love will live in the hearts of all who knew her. Our family appreciates the outpouring of prayers and support. You have all honored her in such a special way, and we are eternally grateful."

Steve and Terri Womack had been married since August 1984.

A DeWitt native, Terri Womack had an extensive career working in various courtrooms in Northwest Arkansas. She was chief clerk to Rogers Municipal Judge Tom Keith and became his case coordinator following Keith's election to circuit judge.

She left the court system to work for Benton County prosecutor David Clinger but returned to judicial work under Keith and later Judge Robin Green. Terri Womack retired from public service in 2019.

"She was smart, fun, funny and just had the biggest heart," Green told the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. "We're all grieving, but my heart first goes out to Steve and her family."

Green said Terri Womack viewed legal proceedings with "a heart of compassion."

"Even under stressful situations and stressful court hearings, she was somebody you liked to have by your side," the judge added. "I keep coming back to what a big, compassionate heart that she had."

Terri Womack is survived by her husband, three sons -- William Owens, Bradley Womack and Phillip Womack -- and four grandchildren.

Arkansas political leaders offered their condolences to Rep. Womack and his family. Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders described the Womacks as "true partners and institutions in their hometown of Rogers and across Northwest Arkansas."

"Steve's public service in the National Guard, as mayor of Rogers, and as a congressman would not have been possible without the incredible, steadfast support that Terri provided," the governor said in a statement.

Arkansas Lt. Gov. Leslie Rutledge also mentioned Terri Womack's support of her husband in expressing her condolences.

"She was a steadfast partner in her husband's dedicated service in the armed forces, as mayor of Rogers, and as a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, and Terri's grace, strength, and compassion inspired all who knew her," Rutledge said on social media.

"In this time of sorrow, our prayers are with Steve, their children, and loved ones. May God's peace surround them as they rest assured that she has now heard those precious words, 'well done, My good and faithful servant.'"

Arkansas House of Representatives Speaker Brian Evans, R-Cabot, said Terri Womack was "a constant source of strength and support to Steve throughout decades of public service, and her grace and kindness touched countless lives across Northwest Arkansas and our state."

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Congressman Womack, his family, and all who are grieving this tremendous loss," Evans added.

U.S. Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., noted Terri Womack's devotion to her family and community in a social media post, saying her death "leaves an immense void not only among her loved ones, but throughout" Northwest Arkansas.

Rep. French Hill, R-Ark., remembered Terri Womack as a "kind, gracious, and faithful presence in the lives of so many, and a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who cared deeply for her family and her community."

"Martha and I are heartbroken about the passing of Terri Womack over the weekend," the Little Rock congressman said in a statement. "Our prayers are with Steve and the entire Womack family during this incredibly difficult time."

House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said Terri Womack left behind "a great legacy of faith, family, and service."

"May her memory be a blessing, and may the Womack family find peace and comfort in the days ahead," the speaker added.

Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., Democratic Senate candidate Hallie Shoffner, Democratic candidate for Arkansas' 3rd Congressional District Robb Ryerse and Arkansas Auditor Dennis Milligan also publicly offered condolences to the Womack family.

Rep. Womack missed several votes at the end of last year. At the time, the congressman explained his presence was needed at home, noting a family member with an undisclosed medical issue.