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Funeral services will take place on Friday, March 9, 2018 at 11:00 AM (Mountain).

St. Patrick's Catholic Church
Wall, South Dakota

Mt. Hope Cemetery
Quinn, South Dakota
5-7 p.m. Thursday, March 8
St. Patrick's Catholic Church
Wall, South Dakota
Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. with an all-night wake to follow



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In memory of

Terri Harris

of Quinn, South Dakota, died on Saturday, March 3, 2018 at the Hospice of Campbell County Memorial Hospital in Gillette at the age of 59

Teresa (Terri) Yonkee Harris went home to Jesus on Saturday, March 3 having completed a courageous seven year long journey with cancer.

From the beginning, Terri did things in her own time, and she was even three weeks late for her own birth on October 29, 1958. She began her education with her older sisters in a one room school house in rural Powder River County. In the third grade, she started “town school” in Broadus, MT where she began cultivating friendships that lasted a lifetime.

Terri was academically gifted. Even if she put a term paper off until the last minute, she still excelled. She was sharp and articulate enough that she could dictate an entire term paper off the top of her head while one of her friends typed it. Terri enjoyed playing in the band, was active in 4-H, and enjoyed managing various sports teams. Even as a teenager, she was compassionate and empathetic. Many in the “Class of ‘76” continue to be impacted by her friendship.

Terri graduated from Montana State University in 1981, majoring in range management. She became a highly respected Rangeland Management Specialist with the United States Forest Service-National Grasslands in Wall, SD. She was extremely knowledgeable, and a car trip with Terri often became a running analysis of grazing practices.

As much as she enjoyed her career, the role most important to her was that of “Mother Teresa” to her beloved boys. In recent years, her five granddaughters became her best medicine. She loved hosting tea parties at the special “tea party” table, complete with an elegant sterling silver tea service.

Terri also had an indelible impact on the communities of Quinn and Wall. She openly shared her faith with the youth of St. Patrick’s Church. She instilled in them to always “trust in Jesus”. Terri selflessly supported many during their personal trials in ways both seen and unseen. She was also visible at every sporting event her boys participated in, as a fan, in the concession stand, or on the clean up crew. Another beloved cause of Terri’s was the formation of the Support Our Troops group in Wall. She made sure that local residents who were deployed felt honored and remembered.

Unfailingly courageous to the end, she considered her cancer a gift. She treasured her trips to the Mayo Clinic with her mom and sisters since it provided an opportunity to spend time together.

Terri is survived by her five sons, Beau Yonkee, Daniel (Noelle) Yonkee, Kyle, Cody, and Luke Harris; granddaughters, Terryn, Tenley, Kambrey, Denali, and Oaklee; mother, Nancy Yonkee; sisters, Linda (Bob) Carey, Carol Yonkee, Lisa (Rod) Cline.

She was preceded in death by her father Fred Yonkee, Jr., daughter Maria Ann, and grandson Trey Nathaniel Yonkee.

A visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, March 8, at Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church in Wall, with a vigil service at 7:00 p.m. and an all night wake to follow.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 9, at the church with Father Tim Hoag and Father Tyler Dennis officiating.

Interment will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery near Quinn.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the National Grasslands Visitor’s Center, Box 425, Wall, SD 57790 or St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Wall in order to enhance the garden area that Terri enjoyed.

The family also invites guests to wear purple in Terri’s honor.

VISITATION
Thursday, March 8, 2018 - 5-7 p.m.
St. Patrick's Catholic Church
Wall, South Dakota

VIGIL SERVICE
Thursday, March 8, 2018 - 7:00 p.m.
with an all-night wake to follow
St. Patrick's Catholic Church
Wall, South Dakota

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
Friday, March 9, 2018 - 11:00 a.m.
St. Patrick’s Catholic Church
Wall, South Dakota

CELEBRANTS
Father Tim Hoag - Father Tyler Dennis
Father Jonathan Dillon - Father Marcin Garbacz

MUSIC
Jill Leonard - Pianist
Megan Hoffman - Cantor
“On Eagles Wings”
“Ave Maria”
“I Am The Bread of Life”
“Song of Farewell”
Susan Peterson - Bagpiper
“Amazing Grace”

READER
Melanie Shull

GIFT BEARERS
Tia Guptill - Tayah Huether

ALTAR SERVERS
Burk Blasius - Blair Blasius - Jace Blasius

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS
Melanie Shull - Jody Bielmaier

USHERS
Pat Guptill - Wayne Shull

PALLBEARERS
Beau Yonkee - Daniel Yonkee - Kyle Harris
Cody Harris - Luke Harris - Seth Shull

INTERMENT
Mt. Hope Cemetery
Quinn, South Dakota

  • Dear my mom,
    It’s been a few days just letting you know I love You
    Beau James
    PS smile mommy smile
    ~ Beau Yonkee Echeta WY (5/1/2018)
  • Terri when my family and I moved to Quinn we were so fortunate to have been your neighbor. I truly enjoyed knowing you and know that you are missed very much. Those were the days watching our boys grow. You were a true friend to so many! The example you set was exemplary. Even though you'd downplay the compliment. Beau, Daniel, Cody, Kyle and Luke, I hope you realize the gem you had in her. Live well and do her proud! ~ Marlene Matt Montoya Rapid City (3/12/2018)
  • It was a great shock to get a message from Lisa with the news that Terri had passed. Many great memories of two summers at Ft. Howes with Marc Eey ~ Clark Fletcher Billings Mt (3/10/2018)
  • It was a great shock to get a message from Lisa with the news that Terri had passed. Many great memories of two summers at Ft. Howes with Marc Eey ~ Clark Fletcher Billings Mt (3/10/2018)
  • It was a great shock to get a message from Lisa with the news that Terri had passed. Many great memories of two summers at Ft. Howes with Marc Eey ~ Clark Fletcher Billings Mt (3/10/2018)
  • It was a great shock to get a message from Lisa with the news that Terri had passed. Many great memories of two summers at Ft. Howes with Marc Eey ~ Clark Fletcher Billings Mt (3/10/2018)
  • Terri is such a sweet angel in all of our lives , while here on earth and now in heaven. I am one of the many many people whose life she touched. A beautiful, blessed sister in Christ. She will live on in our hearts , and the love we have for her. You all are in my prayers that you will feel the love and comfort of our dear Lord Jesus as He holds you in the palm of His hand. ~ Rachel Whitcher , Hot Springs,SD (3/9/2018)
  • The good Lord always keeps the very best to present to the Father. First he took a precious Angel to himself in the person of Maria. Now he has called Terri to join those who sing before God. The family has gained two very powerful intercessors - an angel and a mother. I would very much like to be with you. The best I can do is to celebrate Terri's entrance into eternal life at the same time you do. So at Noon (central time) I will celebrate the Eucharist for you and Terri - this will be the same time you gather at St Patrick's. Please accept my sympathies over an empty spot in our lives and the assurance of God's special love. She will be missed, but we have a new and powerful advocate before the divine throne. Much love and peace. Fr Bob + ~ Fr Bob Ballinger,TX (3/9/2018)
  • I've never met anyone that had no judgements before, I can see her smile now. I met Terri when I was about 4 years old, she picked us up from the airport when my grandmother died. Ever since, she has been family. Im so glad that she gave me cousins that kept us connected thru the years. An angel on earth, that's what you were Terri. I love you Beau, Daniel, Kyle, Cody, Luke, Noelle, and nieces. ~ April DeJolie Tolleson, AZ (3/8/2018)
  • My heart is thankful that I was able to know Terri. Her and I started in the Forest Service in Range Management about the same time so we took a lot of the same trainings and that is how we got to know each other. We had some good conversations about the SD plains and the people we both knew. We had some good laugh's together. She had such a beautiful attitude and she would raise my attitude when I needed it. I am so glad to have known her. My condolences to all of you in her family. ~ Charlie Longbrake Bradshaw Kaycee, WY by way of Dupree, SD (3/8/2018)
  • I am sorry for you loss. When I was in Iraq, I received many packages from Support Our Troops group in Wall. I receive so many packages that I able to share with other troops. This helped boost moral among the troops. Your family are in my thoughts and prayers. ~ Jerry Johannesen Cheyenne Wyoming (3/8/2018)
  • Sorry to hear about your loss, Beau & Daniel ~ Aaron Kitterman Rose Hill, KS (3/8/2018)
  • We were very saddened to hear of Terri's passing, but also expect her strong and consistent faith gave her some measure of peace at the end. As Nancy said, "Now she is with Maria." God bless her and her family. ~ Peter & Nancy McDonald Denver (3/7/2018)
  • I still remember the day I met Terri in Broadus when I was about 3 or 4 years old. She was being a fantastic big sister to Lisa, playing bucking bronco in the front yard of their house. I grew up as Lisa's friend, taken by Lisa's older sisters, as I had none of my own. May all of your memories of your daughter, sister, aunt, mother and grandmother sustain you in the coming days, months, and years. I will always remember her smile, faith, and joy. I will happily wear purple in her memory! XOXX ~ Andrea Hough Heyneman Absarokee, MT (3/7/2018)
  • To Terri's Boys....My deepest sympathy to all of you. May you find comfort in knowing how many lives your mom touched. She was a very caring and giving person. Cherish your memories! Rest in Peace, Terri. ~ Sue Peters Wall, SD (3/7/2018)
  • Terri, you were a good friend and co-worker so many years ago in the Dakotas. I was sorry to hear of your passing. Go with God young lady. You will be missed. ~ Mike Carson Aberdeen South Dakota (3/7/2018)
  • WE WILL MISS YOU, I GAVE YOU THE NAME STRONG HEART WOMAN, BECAUSE U HAD HEART FOR EVERY THING YOU BELIEVED IN. WE DIDNT GET TO DO OUR SOUP KITCHEN, BUT AS MANY PEOPLE YOU HELPD, IT WAS DONE IN ITS OWN WAY. MY HEART IS HEAVY, BUT YOU DONE ENOUGH GOOD ON THE PLAINS OF SOUTH DAKOTA. I LOVE YOU TERRI, WHOS GONNA FILL THOSE SHOES. ~ PAULETTE BUFFALO GLENDALE AZ (3/7/2018)
  • I am so saddened by the passing of such a WONDERFUL, God-fearing woman. I have known Terri since I was a young child, she was always such a beam of light and faith and fellowship. My prayers and condolences to her entire family, circle of friends, the congregation she called home and all the hearts she has touched in her young 59 years on this earth. I can only imagine the smile on her face when she was greeted at the gates by Jesus. I'll never forget you Terri. ~ Amber Schumacher (Huether) Hot Springs, SD (3/7/2018)
  • Terri and I were among the first woman rangeland management specialists in the Forests Service. She loved the land and was passionate about caring for the grassland under her direction. I enjoying working with Terri and sharing the passion of gardening with natives. I'm sure she is walking on buffalo grass and smelling prairie roses in heaven. ~ Virginia Emly Californiz (3/6/2018)
  • Condolences to all the family. Although I lost touch with Teri over the years, I rember her fondly. She was a great happy go lucky soul. I was not aware of her health struggle. She has been taken to soon in life,but I know heaven has a valuable soul in God's kingdom. Rest in peace dear Teri. ~ Bill Burton Clancy, Mt (3/6/2018)
  • I met Terri at the Powder River county fair many years ago, we became fast friends. We saw one another off and on through the years and then we both ended up in South Dakota and we would see another at Rodeo Bible camp and school functions. She was always a true friend, she was always helping out where ever she was. I will miss you Terri, til we meet again. ~ Diana R. Elwood 42 Merchant Cut Across (3/6/2018)
  • I am so sorry boys to heat of your mother passing. Your mom haa touched so many lives with her kindness. She is definitely a one of a kind and will be truly missed. She is with her savior and in no more pain. God be with you through this time of sorrow and know that she would have done anything for you boys and will be watching over you all. God bless. ~ Eric, Natalie, Tyler & Reid Hansen Wall, Sd (3/6/2018)
  • Terri showed me what how a true Christian acts, she embraced us when we moved to Wall, she would agree to disagree, she introduced me to people and helped me to become engaged in the community and always had a genuine smile on her face. Thank you Terri for being such a good example. ~ Becky and Neal Drury Rapid City, SD (3/6/2018)
  • Terri was one of my first friends. She was kind and beautiful then as she was the last time I saw her. Family sticks together, remember that boys and and please hug your Grandma and Aunties for me so they can hug you back. I pray for your comfort and healing. ~ Mary Jane Lei Robinson Ashland, Montana (3/6/2018)
  • My deepest sympathy to you Beau, Daniel, Kyle, Cody & Luke. I have such great memories of your Mom of all our sporting events but mostly baseball! We had such a great time and I treasured Terri's friendship. She will be missed but I know she is with the Lord and out of pain. Take care of each other and remember all the good times. Love and Hugs to each of you. ~ Charlene Kjerstad Wall, SD (3/6/2018)
  • So sorry to here of your loss!!! We didn’t know.......our love and prayers are with all of you!!! ~ Gail and Wanda Johnson Pierre SD (3/6/2018)
  • You are in my thoughts and prayers ~ JUDY nathan Jacksonville Fl (3/6/2018)
  • Terry got cancer the same time my daughter was diagnosed. We walked the journey together and I shall never forget her support and caring words. She never wanted attention or sympathy. The just wanted to be your friend! I loved her and will truly miss her! ~ Judy Goldhammer Wall (3/6/2018)
  • It was an honor to meet and know Terri, she was greatly devoted to her family. Rest in Peace! ~ John and Karla Kinney North Dakota (3/5/2018)
  • Boys, your mother loved you very much. Beau, Daniel, Kyle, Cody, and Luke, your mother was an amazing woman and would always let me know how you were doing. I appreciated all that she did for my while I was a teacher in Wall, as well as, the support she gave me while you boys where in my classes. She also spoke of your sister and I know right now she getting to know that young lady. Take care boys. Ms. Pittman ~ Pandi Pittman Dupree, SD (3/5/2018)
  • Goodbye Terri, she used to tell me, "us end of yhe alphabet people need to stick together." REST IN PEACE ~ Mark Weisser Severance, Colorado (3/5/2018)
  • It was a pleasure working with Terri. We had many many conversations about our families and especially our grand children. She was very fond of her family and loved each and every one of you. I will miss our talks Grandma Terri. You will be missed dear friend. ~ Carla Loop Chadron Nebraska (3/5/2018)
  • To the family of Terri
    Sending our deepest sympathy for your loss. She will be forever in our hearts.
    Oour
    ~ Angie and Aaren Nellen Hot Springs SD (3/5/2018)
  • Beau,Daniel,Kyle,Cody and Luke,Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all. Remember the memories and time will heal your heavy hearts. RIP Terri ~ Jerry & Kim Morgan Wall, S.D. (3/5/2018)
  • I first met Terri when her sister Linda married my brother rob. Terri was so genuine and loving. Easy to be with. As years past we met again when our nephews married. Terri still the loving and genuine. Will miss you Terri and one day we will all be together again. Rest peacefully. I send healing prayers and hugs to her family. ~ Lorrie matott Henniker nh (3/5/2018)
  • Rest in Peace, Terri. You were a kind a thoughtful person/friend to everyone who had the privilege of knowing you. You were always upbeat and positive and lifted everyone around you. You are and will be missed. ~ Kevin Atchley Greeley, CO (3/5/2018)
  • Love and prayers to all of Terri's family. May good memories help ease the sadness.
    ~ Carolyn Heidel Johnson Green Bay, WI (3/5/2018)
  • Beau and family,
    My Deepest Sympathy. Sending prayers and hugs for all of you. May the Lord Be With You Now and Always.
    ~ Fawna (Geigle) Goff Sturgis, SD (3/5/2018)
  • Rest In Peace Terri, you will be missed by all those whose lives you touched. This old days living in Quinn were the best, being neighbors, watching our kids grow and become adults right in front of our eyes will always be a wonderful memory. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends always. ~ Dale & Penny Baumann Quinn, SD (3/5/2018)
  • It would be hard to find a nicer person, a more enjoyable co-worker, or a truer friend. We will truly miss you Terri but we are comforted by the thought that you are in such a loving and carefree place. ~ Alan Anderson Rapid City (3/5/2018)
  • We are thinking of all of you & praying that you find comfort in this time of grievance. Terry was a wonderful woman, touched so many hearts and will be missed dearly. ~ Kaitlin & Trevor Anderson Rapid City, SD (3/5/2018)
  • I met Terri during my nieces graduation and we hit it off she was such a kind person and always had a smile on her face, it saddens me to hear the news of her passing. My heart goes out to her family. ~ Cat Buffalo Laurel,Mt (3/5/2018)
  • Saddens my heart to read this great lady has passed away my heart and prayers go out to her family .She helped me when I was hurting and what a caring and thoughtful person breaks my heart to here this she is another angel that god has chosen and god bless
    ~ Patty Hauk HotSprings S.D. (3/5/2018)
  • Terri was always smiling and always had a kind word for everyone. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. ~ Lane O'Rourke Quinn,SD (3/5/2018)
  • A true friend to all, a very compassionate and caring woman, who will be missed by all. Our condolences and prayers during this time of sorrow. ~ Ken and Loree Thompson Wall, SD (3/5/2018)
  • Terri will be greatly

    Terri touched the hearts of many ,she will be greatly missed may she Rest In Peace
    ~ Marsha Eisenbraun Wall SD (3/4/2018)