Theresa “Terry” J. Sather

April 11, 1947 – February 17, 2019

Theresa “Terry” Jeanne Sather passed away surrounded by family on the morning of February 17, 2019, in Helena, MT, at the age of 71. Born in Helena on April 11, 1947, she was the second oldest of six children to Ole and Aggie Sather. Terry attended Helena High School and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from Montana State University in 1969.

Terry was a selfless, loving, and compassionate mother who devoted her life to caring and providing for her children. She was extremely involved in her children’s extracurricular activities and rarely missed a performance or event. That same support was extended to children of family members and friends, and she would often travel far distances to attend plays or sporting events. She always involved her children’s friends and teammates and did everything in her power to help them succeed. One of Terry’s passions was hosting birthday parties for her children, often preparing a homemade cake with cream cheese frosting.

Terry’s deep-rooted love for the Helena community was infectious and she could often be found “boogieing” around town from location to location socializing with her numerous friends. Terry seemed to know everyone (you couldn’t go anywhere with her without running into someone she knew). She loved dancing her heart out at Alive at Five and enjoyed frequenting many of Helena’s landmark establishments (such as getting a cup of chili and a Coke at The Parrot, enjoying a hot dog or gyro at Coney Island, or fish and chips and a chocolate Coke at the R-B Drive In). She also loved shopping at local secondhand stores, looking for rare or nostalgic items for the sole purpose of gifting them to family and friends. What made this hobby so unique is that the gifts often had a special meaning and were not given during a holiday or birthday and for no other purpose than to bring a smile. She especially loved shopping for shoes of all shapes and sizes and spent countless hours refurbishing them to donate to Camp Rainbow Gold in Idaho, a children’s oncology camp.

Terry’s last job prior to retirement was as an Administrative Assistant at Rocky Mountain Development Council. Her desk was situated in the main office at the center of all the action, which she enjoyed. She loved interacting with and caring for all of the clientele at RMDC.

Terry was preceded in death by her parents, Ole and Aggie Sather. She loved caring for her mother and provided daily companionship for several decades. Both Aggie and Terry enjoyed satisfying their sweet tooth cravings with frequent trips to The Parrot and the Ice Cream Parlour.

Terry is survived by her husband of 41 years, Jim Lewis; her four children: Josh (Melissa), Mikhail, Guthrie (Miranda), and Cricket; her beloved grandson Kane; her five siblings: Susan (David), Orlie, Sara, Lissa, and Mary; and a whole mess of nieces and nephews with whom she managed to forge very special, unique, and loving relationships with despite having such a large immediate family.

Terry had planned on passing down her life savings to her grandchildren (and grandson due May 31); however, her savings were depleted due to her medical expenses and care. It was important to Terry to be able to provide for her grandchildren’s education. In lieu of flowers and to honor Terry’s love of her grandchildren, the family suggests making donations to Valley Bank: Benefit of Theresa Sather’s Grandkids. A celebration of her life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 27, 2019 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. in Helena.

A reception will follow the celebration in the social hall of the funeral home. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer condolence to the family or to share a memory of Terry. Terry’s ashes will be interred at a later date.

Published by Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, Helena, MT

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