DENVER, Colo. — On Thursday July 18, 2024, Terri Lynn Montgomery Schenkel passed peacefully with family by her side.
Terri was born on Nov. 27, 1958, in Great Bend, Kan. as the second of John and Patricia Montgomery’s three children.
One of Terri’s first passions was Girl Scouts, which she loved participating in for much of her childhood. She also began an early love of music and started lessons on flute and piano as a child, and she would continue sharing and enjoying these gifts throughout her life. In high school, Terri played flute in the band and performed as a Majorette in marching band.
After graduating from Great Bend High School in 1976, she enrolled in Barton County Community College where she continued following her music passion, staying active in band and music education. She then furthered her education at the University of Kansas in Lawrence. Fittingly, Terri’s career path began in the music retail industry at Great Bend Music.
Next, she found her true calling in education, spending the majority of her working days serving the needs of alternative high school students. Terri loved helping students achieve their goals and reach their full potential. She made a profound impact on countless students’ lives over the years.
One of Terri’s favorite places in the world was at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colo., where she spent many summers with family.
Terri also enjoyed rooting for the University of Kansas Men’s Basketball Team and the Denver Nuggets, and she was exhilarated to see both teams win championships.
Terri loved to support live music. She attended many concerts over the years in all the places she lived. Her support and love of music and the arts reached its height when she saw her favorite artist, James Taylor, performing at Red Rocks Amphitheater from the front row in June 2024, only a month before her passing.
Terri was a kind and gentle soul who gave selflessly for her family, friends, and students. Her life was full of amazing experiences and warm relationships.
Terri was preceded in death by her parents, John and Patricia Montgomery. She’s survived by her two children, Rob Grizzle (Lakewood, Colo.) and Eric Grizzle (Kansas City, Mo.); her two brothers, Steve Montgomery (Spring Hill, Kan.) and Chris Montgomery (Richmond, Va.); her former husband Steve Schenkel (Emporia, Kan.); and four stepchildren, Jessica Schenkel (Great Bend, Kan.), John Schenkel (Emporia, Kan.), Jake Schenkel (Emporia, Kan.), and Jordon Schenkel (Great Bend, Kan.)
A celebration of Terri’s life to be held in Great Bend will be announced in the coming weeks. In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations may be made in her honor to the American Cancer Society.
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 27, 2024
