Terri Lee Gilbert

1946 - 2025

Terri Lee Gilbert, age 78 of Laurel MT, passed away on February 11, 2025 in Billings, MT surrounded by her children.

Terri was born to Bernard and Beth McGuire on Aug 16, 1946 in Harlem, Montana. Growing up in Harlem, summers were spent camping with family at Mission Canyon, family Reunions at Bigfork, spending time with Bergren, Richman and Billmayer cousins and hanging out with friends at the drive-in movies and roller-skating rink. During high school, Terri kept up with various school activities and was a cheerleader. Her cheerleading squad won the trophy for their performance at the Boys Basketball District games in 1963. Terri saved money working at the movie theatre to be able to attend the 1962 Seatle World Fair with friends, Kathleen McGuire and Sandy O'Bryan.

Terri Graduated from Harlem High School in 1964 and attended dental assistance training in Minneapolis MN with friends Alice Nicholson and Sandy O'Bryan. The group of friends infamously drove back during a huge blizzard, surprising family by their arrival that didn't know the group was on their way home.

In 1969, Lewis and Terri were married in Coeur D'Alene Idaho. Her cousin Merna and her husband Cecil attended the short, spontaneous ceremony with Terri calling home to announce their marriage! After being married, the family lived at Gilbert Ranch before moving to Grand Forks, ND while Lewis attended medical school. During those years, Terri raised her children, keeping up with busy kids in sports, dance/gymnastic lessons and girlscouts. Terri did some babysitting for friends and worked at the University of North Dakota. The summers were spent in her hometown of Harlem with family and traveling to visit extended family. The family returned to Harlem for a couple years while Lewis worked at Fort Belknap before moving to Bismark ND and in 1989, Terri Settled in Laurel Montana. While she lived in Laurel, Terri worked for a few years for friend Jim and Mileen Vandeberg at their RV sales company. After she retired, she became very active in church life. Her church family at Laurel Baptist and her faith was an integral part of her life. She loved teaching Awana, children's church, and Sunday School. She enjoyed her Women's Bible studies and having lunch with her friends after Sunday church Services. Terri loved her quiet country house and hosting family as they traveled to the Billings area. She enjoyed cooking meals for her family and was a good cook. Summers were often spent camping at Zortman, Montana with family. Terri loved owls and cows, and her house was filled with decorations that friends and family had given her over the years. She enjoyed keeping up with her grandkids on Facebook. She was preceded in death by her father, Bernard McGuire, mother Beth McGuire, sister Connie Fetter and grandson Garret Gilbert.

Terri is survived by her Brothers Larry McGuire ( Sue), Garry McGuire ( Kathlene) and sister Candy Kalal (John) of Zortman, Son Todd Gilbert of Laurel, daughters Lori Gilbert-Lee of Billings and Shauna (Robert) Azure of Havre. Grandchildren Jarrod Gilbert, Kayla Waters, Jordann Gilbert, Hailey Azure, Olivia and Jacob Lee. Great grandchildren Kiev Waters, Rhett Waters, Emmori Waters and Oliver Roberts as well and many nieces and nephews.

Celebration of life service will be held at Laurel Baptist Church in Laurel Montana, May 9th at 1 PM and Burial at Harlem Cemetery May 10th at 1 PM.