Terri Crill, 64
Terri Lynn Crill (Gommenginger)
April 16, 1960 – October 10, 2024
Terri Lynn Crill, of Spokane, Washington and Libby, Montana, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2024, as she sat resting after bringing in her laundry from the clothesline- a quiet end that matched her wish for independence and simplicity.
Born in Ogden, Utah in April 1960, Terri was the daughter of Harold C. Crill Jr. of Ohio and Jill Patricia Giles Crill of Oxfordshire, England.
Terri's adventurous spirit shone early. In the 1970s, she competed in horse barrel racing. In the 1980s and '90s, she worked at Harold's in Libby alongside her then-husband Greg Gommenginger (1981–1995). Later, she joined road construction crews as a flagger and roller operator, where she met her second husband.
Her brief and unfortunate marriage to William (Bill) Mahoney of Athol, Idaho in 1998 ended when it was discovered-by her mother-that Mahoney had been poisoning Terri in a scheme to collect life insurance and marry his pregnant girlfriend. The poisoning left lifelong effects from which Terri never fully recovered. Mahoney died in 2015.
Terri faced her later years with strength, grace, and fierce independence. Diagnosed with asbestosis, COPD, lymphoma, and lung cancer, she chose palliative care at home to maintain her autonomy and continue caring for her beloved dog.
Known as "Tiddler" by those closest to her, Terri is survived by her devoted siblings: Mike (Dena) Crill of Minnesota, Debbie (Greg) Carter of Spokane, Cheryl (Lee) Chandler of Libby, and Carol Johnson Butters of Spokane. She is also survived by her children Lindsey Mercer of Spokane and Corrigan Gommenginger of Seattle, who loved her dearly; her grandchildren Tatum, Dante, and Zadra; and her cherished nieces and nephews: Lisa, Amy, Nichole, Jilyn, Holly, Jonathan, Sarah, Tyler, and Kelly.
Terri was preceded in death by her loving parents, Harold and Jill Crill; her mischievous brother, Randy Crill of Libby; and her loyal horses (including Tequila) and dogs.
Celebrations of Life (Spaghetti Potlucks):
Because not everyone gets along, there will be two informal gatherings of close friends and family, cowgirl themed.
Libby – August 9, Fireman's Park, 4 PM
Spokane Valley – August 10, Sullivans Park, 4 PM
Full tributes and event details can be found at:
https://everloved.com/life-of/terri-crill/ In lieu of flowers, Terri requested donations be made in her honor to the CARD Clinic in Libby
Published by The Western News on Jul. 18, 2025.