Heaven needed another Angel, as an amazing woman passed away peacefully Sunday, November 19, 2017 due to complications from Alzheimer’s and diabetes. She was able to stay at home with the help of her loving family and the wonderful help of Peace Hospice.  There will be a memorial service on Monday, December 4, 2017 at Northwest Family Fellowship at 2:00 PM.  We will also have a Celebration of Life this summer on Mom’s birthday.

Terra Katherine Peretti was born to Lucille & Marco Peretti on July 27, 1943 in Great Falls, Montana.  She attended the old Paris Gibson Junior High and Great Falls High School, Class of 1961.

She met the love of her life getting a ride home one night.  It all started with dad walking her to her door and asking her “can I have a kiss”… and so the love story began that will continue forever and a day.  The high school sweethearts were married in Helena, MT on February 19, 1960 and they have been married for almost 58 years.  With a little nudging from his future mother-in-law, dad said I do.  He has been doing ever since.

To this union four daughters were born, Debbie, Lori, Julie and JoAnne.  Mom was a fulltime homemaker involved in every aspect of her children’s lives.  She sewed matching outfits for her girls, even winning third place in a competition.  From education to sports and everyday life advice, she was there for her girls and she carried that onto her grandkids and great-grandkids.

Mom was a huge sports fan.  She was a big backer of CMR, GFHS, the Phoenix College Bears Baseball Team, the Yankees and the Washington Redskins. She loved singing HTTR with cousin Sandy each week. That is one of the last things Mom heard on Sunday (we didn’t tell her they lost).

Then there was the baking.  As many of you have been recipients of the cakes and cookies that came out of the Pankratz house, so much love baked into each and everything Mom & Dad baked together.

Mom loved Elvis!  Pictures everywhere.  Her favorite song was Memories.  Oh, the memories we all have of music, laughter and tears.  We played Elvis, Charlie Pride, Kiss An Angel Good Morning, Christmas music and others for her to listen to the last few days and it gave her comfort.

Christmas was always Mom’s favorite holiday.  This past year everyday was Christmas!  She was looking forward to everyone coming home for the best Christmas ever!

When it came time to be a grandma, mom was all in even though Kevin came along at an early age of 32. A special bond that will never be broken.  The love she had for her grandkids and great grandkids was very special.  She now has the best seat in the house to watch over us all!

Mom had to struggle daily with the diabetes and dad was lovingly by her side making sure she got through each day.  They just got each other and were always on the same page.  She never complained about anything, always more concerned with everyone else, a heart of gold. As the years of diabetes took its toll, the Alzheimer’s set in. Again, dad was a saint getting her through each day. The love they shared was a beautiful thing. Mom wasn’t able to communicate much the last few days but responded to dad every time she heard his voice. The “I Love You” she said very clearly to him meant so much to him. It started with a kiss and another kiss (well lots of them) when he said, “I’ll see you later”.

Terra is survived by her devoted and loving husband Ray; daughters, Debbie (Glen) Kimball, Lori (Todd) Michener, Julie (Mark) Anderson, JoAnne (Bill) Dean; grandkids, Kevin & Samantha, Brian & Heather, Steven, Chris, Clayton & Brittiney, Mallory, Sidney, Timm & Michelle, and Justin; great-grandkids, Kamden, Braylon, Kailana, Aubrey, Cruz, Cali, Katelynn, Kaydence, and James;  brothers, Jerry & Marco Peretti and her soul mate sister since the age of eight, her BFF Dee Vukasin. In addition, much more family and friends who meant the world to her.

Her parents Lucille & Marco Peretti and her sister JoAnne Irene Peretti preceded her in death.

Mom touched so many lives in her 74 years.  We were all blessed to be a part of her zestful love for life, it was an amazing thing. We will love you till the day after forever!  Take that love with you Mom!

On Angel’s wings you were taken, but in our hearts you’ll stay. And in God’s light you will rest, until we meet again someday.

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