Teresa Ann “Teri” Vanden Brink died on October 29, 2026 in Billings, Montana. She was born on August 17, 1951 in Des Moines, Iowa.

Teri and Ron met at a very small ski hill in Mankato, Minnesota in 1972. A family friend of Ron's introduced them in the ski “chalet” where Teri was putting on her ski boots. Ron noticed that she was crossing the buckles and helped her get her boots on....... It was love at first sight for Ron, although Teri took a bit more convincing. They were married on June 29, 1973 and all these years later Ron was still helping her with her ski boots!

Teri graduated from Mankato State College with a teaching degree and after Ron finally graduated a year later, they decided to move to Montana in search of better skiing and more adventures in the outdoors. Teri taught at North Park Elementary, Garfield, Big Sky and Orchard schools of the Billings district over the course of twenty-five years. About the time she retired we built a home on a small acreage in the canyon west of Billings where she wanted to have a Bed and Breakfast that she named the V Lazy B, after our brand. For years she hosted people from all over the world and met so many great travelers, some of which remain dear friends today.

She loved the home that Ron built for her and was surrounded by her horses, cats and lots of wildlife that frequently visit our land. She looked forward to entertaining our many friends that we have grown to love over the years from many walks of life and interests.

Teri will be remembered as a woman who found joy in many parts of life and in the people who shared them with her. She had many circles of friends, including friends from teaching, book club, skiing, and theater. She loved the outdoors and enjoyed riding, skiing, and shooting. Teri loved to be on her E-bike riding up the Beartooth Pass or cruising along the Coeur d' Alene bike trail with her friends. She also had a special affection for animals, especially horses, cats, and dogs. An avid reader, she carried a love of books throughout her life.

Above all, Teri’s life was closely tied to her family. She shared 53 years of marriage with her husband, Ron Vanden Brink, a partnership marked by enduring love and commitment.

She is also survived by her brothers and their families: Curt and Jamie of Haw River, North Carolina, together with their children Nick, Sam, Jack, and Julie; Mike and Carol of Micanopy, Florida, together with their son Jacob; and Todd and Stephanie of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, together with their children Mathew, Michael, and Meagan. Teri was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Cleo Lord and her sister Kathy.

She will be dearly missed by her family, her many friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing her. A celebration of Teri’s life will be held at her home this coming summer.