Teresa Puyear died early this January. She was 93 years old.

Teresa was born in Montana's Bitterroot Valley and graduated from high school there. She eventually earned an Associate of Arts degree through a program at Eastern Washington University.

She was employed by the federal government for over 30 years. She worked for a variety of federal agencies. Initially, she worked for the United States Forest Service (where she met the bear cub Smokey Bear). She transferred to the National Park Service and finished her career with the Bureau of Reclamation where she retired a Facilities Manager.

Teresa was active in her local parish wherever she lived. She served in a number of different parish positions which ranged from Parish Secretary to membership in the Altar Society. Teresa prayed the rosary daily and was a member of the Rosary Confraternity. As she neared retirement she became an avid bridge player who played weekly for over 20 years.

Lastly, she was a loving, wise, and generous wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Teresa was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Howard. They were married for 67 years.

She is survived by her two children, four grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord and let your perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through God's mercy, rest in peace.

Funeral Services have already taken place. Please express your thoughts and memories on our online guestbook at jonesjonesbetts.com Arrangements by Jones and Jones - Betts Funeral Home.