Theresa “Terry“ Imelda Hinnewinkel Schieffert Grasky
In the quiet hours of a Sunday morning, Theresa Imelda Grasky passed away in the comfort of her home surrounded by loved ones on November 24, 2024. An immeasurably kind and devout woman, Terry was an unfaltering example of faith whose devotion to God was matched only by her love and devotion to her family.
Terry was born May 2, 1933 to German immigrants, Lorenz and Theresa (Steidle) Hinnewinkel at the family homestead in Powderville, Montana. The family fell on hard times and had to move to town in 1936. Sacred Heart Parish then became an integral part of her life that would last a lifetime. Terry attended Sacred Heart grade school and high school through her sophomore year. Her first job was working at the newly installed soda fountain at the Renwick-Torgeson Drug Store where she met her first love and future husband, Mark Schieffert. They married July 30, 1949 and made their home in Miles City where they raised their five children, L.J., Rich, Ted, Tracy, and Sandi. They enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, and remodeling their home. They bought property in the Pine Hills Ranchettes and built an A-frame cabin. Every weekend was spent playing games, snowmobiling, trail riding, building campfires, roasting hotdogs and marshmallows – just enjoying life with family and friends. Her favorite part of being there was the view from the deck, especially as the sun set over the hills.
After marrying Mark, Terry became part of his flooring business, Lay-Rite Floor Covering Service and in 1950 they decided it was time to open a retail store. The store front changed a few times, starting next to the MT Theater, then moving down the street to the current M&H location, and finally landing in 1968 next to the underpass. She was an irreplaceable part of the business. With a natural eye for décor and style, she could draw a quick floor plan with pencil and ruler, order goods, and help customers as well as being the full time bookkeeper. Terry continued to work with Rich and Ted who bought the business in 1981 when Mark retired. She retired in 1990 after Mark’s passing in 1986.
In 1989 Terry began dating an old school-mate, Leo Grasky Jr., from Sacred Heart School. She found love again and they married July 7, 1990, after which she picked up and moved to Sheridan, WY where Leo managed the Firestone Tire Store. Terry was blessed again when she added Leo’s five daughters and families to her heart – enlarging her circle of love and joy. They also owned and ran the 100 year old P.O. News and Tobacco Stand for several years. Summers were spent with family and grandkids camping in the Big Horn Mountains, and after Leo retired in 1999, they wintered in Arizona, Mexico, and California. Upon Leo’s death in 2017, Terry returned to her hometown of Miles City after 27 years in Wyoming.
Terry’s faith was a treasured gift in her life. She spent many years starting her day with Daily Mass, the Rosary, and the Eucharist. Over the years she served on the Parish Council, Liturgy Commission, and was a member of the St. Gerard Circle. She enjoyed traveling to many places including New York, Fatima, Medugorje, and Rome, where her grandson Garrett was studying for the priesthood. Her other treasured gift was her family – and they treasured her. They were so happy to have her back in Miles City again and part of their daily lives. She was always elegant and graceful. A talented lady who could build or do whatever she put her mind to. Terry loved decorating, landscaping, gardening, sewing, upholstering, and antiquing. Wherever she lived, her home was always meticulous and beautiful, both inside and out. She was famous for her Danish-Kringle, which everyone hoped to be on the receiving list for come Christmas time. Grandchildren could always find the cookie jar filled with her freshly baked cookies whenever they visited. A joy to everyone who crossed her path, Terry’s fun-loving, witty, and generous spirit will be greatly missed.
She was preceded in death by her parents Lorenz and Theresa, her husbands’ Mark and Leo, her siblings Kay, Alice, Carl, Rance, and Mick, great-grandson Dalton Bryan, and step-daughter Kim Grasky.
She is survived by her children L.J. (Carol) Schieffert of Big Timber, MT, Rich Schieffert, Ted Schieffert (Teri Young), Tracy (Dave) Nelson, and Sandi (Mark) Toennis, all of Miles City. Her step-children Jennifer (Dave) Lawson of Live Oak, CA, Debbie (Rick) Oatts, Stephanie Grasky, Sarah (Scott) Smothers, and Garrett Flowers (son-in-law) all of Sheridan, WY. Her grandchildren Julie (Stace) Hovland, Heather (Mark) Griffis, Stormy (Danny) Stevens, Chance Schieffert, Colt Schieffert, Jason (Kayla) Schieffert, Ashley Schieffert (Kyle Bogner), Marcus Schieffert, Nathan (Morgan) Schieffert, Grant Nelson, Fr. Garrett Nelson, Daniel Nelson, Matthew Nelson, Autumn (Nikitas) Tsirigotis, and Joshua (Megan) Toennis. Her step grandchildren Hattie (Ben) Carlson, Tyler (Mckyla) Oatts, Preston Doyle, Hunter (Shelby) Doyle, Brock Grasky, Zachary (Makenna) Grasky, Kendall, Kelsey, and Kylee Smothers. Her 27 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great-grandchildren, and innumerable friends and loved ones.
Terry lived a life of quiet service to others. Words like “selfless, compassionate, charitable, and loving” only begin to describe how she impacted the daily lives of those around her. In the spirit of Terry’s kind and caring nature, memorials can be made to the Outreach Clinic of Miles City, Sacred Heart Parish School, and the Local Elks Lodge No. 537.
Family will receive friends on Friday, November 29, 2024 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City followed by a Rosary and Vigil Service at 6:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Rite of Committal will follow in the Calvary Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday November 29, 2024
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N. Montana Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rosary & Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Friday November 29, 2024
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N. Montana Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Mass of Christian Burial
10:00 a.m.
Saturday November 30, 2024
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N Montana Ave
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rite of Committal
Following the Funeral Mass
Saturday November 30, 2024
Calvary Cemetery
Cemetery Rd
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday November 29, 2024
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N. Montana Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rosary & Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Friday November 29, 2024
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N. Montana Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Mass of Christian Burial
10:00 a.m.
Saturday November 30, 2024
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N Montana Ave
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rite of Committal
Following the Funeral Mass
Saturday November 30, 2024
Calvary Cemetery
Cemetery Rd
Miles City, Montana 59301
Share
Diane Welbes says
Schieffert/Grasky family–it is never easy losing a loved one. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Al & Cindy Kelm says
We are so sorry for your loss. She was such a beautiful lady. Hugs & prayers of comfort to her whole family. God Bless! Allen & Cindy Kelm
JR & Carol Bean says
So sorry to see this this morning. She was such a graceful, beautiful lady. Our sympathies to ask her family.
Shelley Killen says
So Sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayer for the whole family.
Kent Walter Frette says
So sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. Terry was a beautiful lady and one the nicest people I ever met. Sincere condolences.
Carole and Bernie Dighans says
We are truly going to miss this wonderful prayer partner. She was such an inspiration to so many. Prayers are with all of you at this time. Lots of love and prayers to everyone!
Kelsey & Jesse Merritt says
We are sending your whole family love and healing in the coming weeks. What a wonderful woman with a wonderful family as her legacy. Thinking of you all — The Merritts
Maggie and George Holom says
To the family of Terry Grasky, Peace and comfort in your loss. And may her soul rest in Peace.
Curt and Patsy Almy says
Prayers are with you during this hard time. Such a wonderful legacy.
Doug & Traci Schell says
We are very sorry to learn of Terry’s passing. She was such a nice lady with a kind smile that was shared so easily. Our sincere sympathy to all of her family.
Beth Ann Wiedeman says
Sending prayers for Terry’s family. May your faith and memories help up during this time of grief.
Kim Stanton says
Dear families,
So sorry to read of the passing of your beloved mom and grandma. I’m glad she was able to live in Miles City the last few years and you were able to spend some treasured time and make more memories with her. May the peace of Christ be yours today and in the coming days. “Eternal rest grant onto her o’ Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.”
With heartfelt sympathy,
Kim Stanton and family
David & Danette Olguin says
We are so sorry for the loss of your dear mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
Shannon Holmen says
Always such a class act. So sad to loose a mom/grandma. She was such a kind soul. My prayers.
Garth Sleight says
My sincerest condolences to my dear friends Tracy, Sandy, your brothers, and all of your families. Terry was a lovely example to all of you. May you find comfort in the sweet memories of this grand woman and may you be sustained by your faith.
Mary Setera says
So sorry for your loss. May the Lord Jesus Christ bless you, and comfort you. Terry was such a gracious wonderful person. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Denise Harvey says
Our thoughts are with you! May you be blessed with cherished memories!
Doug and Diane Ellingson says
So sorry for your loss! Our thoughts and prayer are with all of you.
Julie and Tony Garber says
We were very sorry to hear of Terry’s passing. We are lifting your family up in prayer during this difficult time. She was a wonderful woman. Holy Name parish mourns her loss as well.