Terry Lee Thomas was born on June 20, 1943, to Forrest and Retha Bowman of LaGrande Oregon. The middle child between two brothers she dearly cherished— Tom, two years her senior, and Russ, two years her junior—Terry grew up on a farm where she learned the lifelong values of hard work, perseverance, and giving your very best. These lessons took root in her soul and blossomed throughout her life.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 62 years, Elton, her son Russ, his wife

Laura, her daughter Amy, and her husband Mark along with her grandchildren Grace, Christian and Mariah. Her two brothers Tom and Russ, their wives Deliah and Linda, and her sister-in-law Helen Thomas.   Terry had eight nieces and nephews.

Terry's passions were many, but her love for her family topped the list. A lifelong learner and devoted educator, she followed in the footsteps of her mother and grandmother, earning her degree in teaching and spending many years in elementary classrooms. Her heart was especially drawn to children who struggled with reading—she made it her mission to help them rise above expectations, often guiding them to read above-grade level before they moved on.

In her 40s, she earned a master's degree in counseling and expanded her ministry by teaching a focus on emotional and spiritual healing. With a heart for Christ and a deep well of compassion, she counseled many to lay their burdens at the cross and find salvation in Jesus.  She took this calling around the globe, touching countless lives with her wisdom, grace, and unwavering belief in redemption.

Her grandchildren affectionately called her Abba—a title most often meaning "father," but also used as an honorific for spiritual teachers. It was a name that suited her perfectly. Terry was a scholar of the soul, a gentle guide, and a steadfast shepherd of faith.

A prolific writer, Terry filled journals with poetry and reflections on her walk with Christ. She put miles on her shoes as she walked next to any water source, praying and listening for God's whispers to her.  She published a book of poetry

and began writing a book chronicling her spiritual journey, one that remains a testimony to her deep love for Jesus.

Terry was never far from a good book—even if it meant a dinner or two got a little overdone, when Elton could not see her in the garden, he knew he would find her with a book in her hand in her favorite nook. Her love of reading was matched only by her love of gardening, teaching and her family. Her greatest love was her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All her poetry centers around a great desire to know Him more.

On September 20, 2025, Terry finished her earthly race with the same grace, endurance, and passion that she lived every day. Though her absence is felt deeply, her family rejoices in the knowledge that she is now racing joyfully through heaven—unburdened, full of peace, and almost certainly reading a few books at once.

Her legacy of faith, love, and kindness lives on in the many hearts she touched. She will be missed beyond measure and remembered forever.

Two memorial services have been scheduled to honor our precious Abba. One at Warm beach senior center on October 17th at 2:00 pm and one at Cascade Chapel in Burlington on October 18th at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers please donate to Cascade Chapel or the Alzheimer's Association https://www.alz.org/alzwa