Terri Sue Howser

Terri was born on February 11, 1952 in Long Beach, California to Kenneth and Jean (Beck) Gilkison. She was raised in Lakewood, CA and enjoyed the beaches there growing up. She would move to Oregon in 1973. Terri would meet the love of her life, Bradford Howser and they would marry in 1974 after he swept her off her feet. Terri and Brad would live in California, New York, and Montana before making their final home in beautiful Mill City, Oregon. Terri would work as a bank manager in Salem, Oregon for 20 years before retiring in 2004. Terri was super sweet, kind, and exceptionally giving. She generously donated her estate to the four charities that meant the world to her: Ronald McDonald House, Best Friends Animal Society, Doernbecher Children’s Hospital Foundation and St. Jude Children’s Hospital. She loved to receive gifts and was so appreciative of whatever she was given, she hoped her gift to these charities would make a difference. Terri was a wonderful friend, who always listened and was a trusted confidant. She made many close friends over the years and had the best time traveling with them whether it was to Reno, Alaska, California, Hawaii or Montana. She didn’t have children of the human kind, though the four legged fur babies were in her words “my children that fulfilled my life”. Terri loved getting pampered with appointments for hair and nails, going shopping and singing karaoke at the Eagles. The song she and her husband would sing together was “Islands in the Stream”- that was their special song. She also loved to play bunco with her “bunco babes”. Terri will be remembered for her kind nature and ability to love everyone to a fault. She passed away on September 4, 2019 in Mill City, Oregon. She leaves behind many close friends, family and her beloved kitties. At her request no services will be held but private urn placement will take place at Willamette National Cemetery. She will be deeply missed. Arrangements by Weddle Funeral Service.