Terri Lynn Spalding

1961 - 2018

TERRI LYNN Terri Lynn Spalding, 57, passed away quietly at home while watching the beloved Oakland Raiders with her devoted husband Mike by her side, on Sunday, September 16th. This ended a courageous, three-year battle with brain cancer. She never gave up hope or her strong faith and is now enjoying her victory in heaven with her Lord Jesus. Terri Holmgren was born January 7, 1961 at St. Joseph's hospital in Eureka. At the age of 4, Terri survived an accident that caused her to be burned on her leg, arm and back. That, and having three older brothers helped develop her strength of character, which served her well throughout her life. The family moved from Hawkins Bar to Miranda in 1967. Terri went to Weott Elementary, Miranda Jr. High and South Fork High, graduating with honors in 1979. She excelled in academics, 4H and school sports, especially volleyball. Terri married Robert Tallman Jr. and moved to Hydesville. They had two children, Justin and Tiffany, who were her pride and joy. She spent their youth attending their events and sports with love and lots of cheering from the sidelines. Terri loved being a mom, and later grandmother to 4 grandchildren. When her children were in school, she took a job as a teacher's aide at Hydesville Elementary. She drove school bus, she coached, she filled in for the office and cafeteria when needed. Terri was always ready and willing to help out whenever and wherever she could. She recognized she had a passion for making a difference in kids' lives and decided to go back to college to become a teacher. She attended CR and HSU and earned her degree to accomplish that goal. She went on to teach and coach at Hydesville Elementary for 12 years. Teaching was her proudest achievement, and she was always happiest helping her students in any way she could. Terri met Mike Spalding at a Raiders game in 2010, and they realized they had more in common than football. They soon fell in love and were married on August 6, 2011. Traveling to sporting events in the RV and camping out at the mining claim kept them excited, and together they enjoyed their new life anew. Already an avid Giants fan, Terri joined the Raider Nation and attended all home games. They were both crazy for the Raiders and the Giants, but even more crazy for each other. Terri loved playing sports and being active outdoors. She played for years in the local women's softball league and was a dedicated runner. She could be seen running through Hydesville, rain or shine with her dog, Blu, beside her. She participated in many local running events and especially enjoyed running Foggy Bottoms with her students. Terri is preceded in death by her father, Kent Holmgren; first husband Robert Tallman Jr.; brother Daniel Holmgren and brother Larry Holmgren. She is survived by her Mother, Shirley Holmgren, her devoted and loving husband Mike Spalding, her son Justin Tallman, her daughter Tiffany Tallman and her fianc‚ Seth Williams, grandson Charlie, and his mother, Karie Goodner, granddaughters Logan , Brylee, Jordynn, and their mother, Rebecca Olsen, brother and sister in law Russell and Lisa Holmgren, sister in law Mollie Holmgren and numerous cousins,, nieces, nephews. Terri had many great friends, like the late Jack and Pam Braun, who were always there to support her. Terri was a strong and determined person. She was positive, encouraging and optimistic. Terri was goal oriented and always tried to help others achieve theirs. She didn't sit around and wait for things to happen; she got it done. Her beautiful smile and energetic nature will be sorely missed, but never forgotten by anyone who knew her. A special thank you to the doctors, nurses and entire staff at St. Joseph's Hospital whose compassion is amazing. Memorial Service and celebration of Terri's life will be held on October 13th, at 12:00P.M., at the Hydesville Community Church. Terri loved children, so to honor Terri, please help a kid with their homework or take them to a ball game or just get outdoors and have fun. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to American Cancer Society or Humboldt County Animal Shelter. Please sign our guest book at www.times-standard.com