Terry's Obituary
Terry Ann Rearden, 69, of Great Falls, Montana, passed away peacefully on April 11, 2024, with her daughters, granddaughters, sisters, and puppy by her side.
Terry was born on July 2, 1954, in Great Falls, Montana to Raymond and Esther (Eschenbacher) Genereux. She was raised in Great Falls with her four sisters, attending Valley View Elementary School, West Junior High, and graduating from Charles M. Russell High School in 1972. She married James Larry Rearden on September 9, 1972. From that union, they had three children.
Terry was a loving, nurturing, dedicated, loyal, and fun-loving mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, and friend. Her personable, giving, and supportive nature reached beyond her family and friends, and her sense of humor brightened the lives of those she encountered. Terry had a soft spot for animals, taking in multiple rescues. She was deeply devoted to her faith. She also enjoyed gardening, reading, camping, traveling, and spending time with her family in Montana and Vermont. Favorite places of Terry’s included Cannon Beach, Oregon and Big Fork, Montana.
Terry was a people person who thrived in customer service, starting with the Burger Master in high school. While raising her young children, she cleaned houses; once they were in school, she owned her own business, Suntana of Montana, from 1989 to 2002. She then worked at the Buffalo Nickel Casino where her customers became like family. A compassionate caregiver with the biggest heart, Terry later spent many years working as a House Parent and Supervisor at the Great Falls Children’s Receiving Home as well as serving as Head Cook at the Great Falls Senior Center before retiring in 2019. She was a remarkable cook.
Terry was preceded in death by her son, Justin James Rearden; and her parents, Esther Nellie Genereux and Raymond Richard Genereux.
Terry is survived by her two daughters, Emily Rearden of Great Falls, Montana and Erin (Shawn) Dolan of Saint George, Vermont; three grandchildren, Aiden, Hadley, and Isla Dolan; sisters, Rita Emond, Carol Wells, Sandy Richards, and Ruby Genereux; and countless cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Terry’s daughters would like to thank the staff at the Benefis Cardiac Care Unit and the Peace Hospice of Montana for the compassionate care given to them and their mom.
A Celebration of Life will be held this summer in Great Falls, Montana. Information about the service will be posted on the Schnider Funeral Home website and Facebook page this summer.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Child Bridge, City of Great Falls Animal Shelter, or the Peace Hospice of Montana in Terry’s honor.
