Teri Jean Queckboerner

Teri Jean was born on Aug. 21, 1957, in Haver, Mont., to Thomas and Josephine Henderson. She was the eldest of five children alongside Kim, Don, Kevin and Brian. Later, spouses would join the family, which included: Steve, Lonny, Mandy, Terra-Beth and Sherry. From Montana, the family moved to California and eventually found their forever home in Washington. It was here she made lasting friendships and started her own family.

Teri married Steve Queckboerner on Feb. 11, 1 983. They had three children, which include Darren, Bob and Nikki. She was been blessed with numerous grandchildren who love and miss her very much. Darren and Nikaile are parents to Tarryn, Rylee and Ryen. Bob and Jenn are parents to Sydnee and Ashton. Nikki and Ryan are parents to Lexee and Ellyana. In addition to her grandchildren, she was a proud great-grandmother to McKinnley, Rhett and Carlie Rose. Her grandkids lovingly referred to her as G.T. They will remember her big hugs, pajama pants at Christmas, and lying in the road to look at the stars while camping.

Anyone who knew Teri would agree that she was a stubborn spitfire with a big heart. If someone needed something, she was always willing to help one way or another. As a self-proclaimed music buff, she loved loud music of just about every genre. Her favorite TV shows included things like The Voice, Law and Order, Little House on the Prairie and anything on Lifetime. Every weekday, she could be found watching “her stories,” otherwise known as The Bold and the Beautiful. She loved Candy Crush and the police scanner. She enjoyed tossing the neighbor dog treats and watching her grand kids swim in the pool.

She had an overwhelming love of camping at her second home at Taidnapam Park just past Morton, Wash. She and Steve spent most of the summer and beginning of the fall at the lake. There, many family members would gather for quality time, good food and many shenanigans. Anyone who frequented the park knew her for her fast friendship. Children all new her as “Grandma Teri, keeper of the Otter Pops,” many passers-by knew her as the lady yelling at them to slow down, and the park employees knew her as the one to call to help with various tasks, such as trimming branches, cleaning bathrooms, painting and simply making the rounds. She couldn't get enough of sitting by the fire and chatting with campers.

Those left behind will miss her tenacity. They will forever hear her laugh that inevitably ended with a snort. The sound of her screaming at the Seahawks will be burned into anyone's memory within a hundred mile radius. No one will forget her need to feed every person and animal that crossed her path. Her "mother's look'' will live forever within the mind and heart of each of her children and grandchildren. Phrases like “Boy howdy,” “Oh my,” “I'm fine,” and other comments pertaining to rolling donuts will forever be only hers.

Teri was diagnosed with cancer Nov. 9. A short 16 days later, she earned her wings on Nov. 25, 2022. Though her last days were rough, she spent them surrounded, both in-person and in-spirit, with love from her family and friends. One of the things Teri always said to people she cared about was that she loved them big bunches and oh so very much. One thing that is clear is that those who knew her loved her right back. Kissing her grandchildren goodnight, she would always say "talk to the angels." Now her family believes it is her turn. They hope she will forever talk to the angels and dance with her brother in the clouds.

A celebration of Teri’s life is planned for 1 p.m. Jan. 14, 2023, at the McClelland Arts Center, 951 Delaware St., in Longview.

The family knows nothing they write here could ever completely do Teri justice. She was an amazing woman, loved by many. They invite all who loved her to share memories of her on this page.