Terri Mae Johnson

Terri Mae Johnson, age 69 of East Grand Forks, MN, passed away on Monday, September 22, 2025. She was born on January 24, 1956 in Turtle Lake, ND to the late Leonard and Marie Johnson.

In her later years, Terri’s passion was her grandchildren. Even when she wasn’t with them, she spent her time thinking about the things they might need and planning on how to help with whatever was around the corner. She was an avid reader and loved various types of crafting, including painting, beading, sewing, and especially gardening. Her house in East Grand Forks was her pride and joy. She loved doing DIY projects to make her home even more welcoming for her family members and friends. Her home was often filled with the aroma of baked goods. She particularly loved baking around Christmastime, preparing bags of homemade doughnuts, cookies, caramel corn, and a host of other goodies to share with her loved ones.

She spent most of her life dedicated to serving her family as a homemaker and stay-at-home mother to her five children. Additionally, Terri worked in the cafeteria at East Grand Forks Senior High and as a care worker at Prairie Harvest Mental Health for several years. She did various cleaning jobs when her children were younger to supplement the family income.

Terri grew up on a farm outside of Turtle Lake with her parents and 10 siblings. As one of the older children in the family, she often helped with the raising of the little ones. She graduated from Turtle Lake High School in 1974 and attended college at North Dakota State University for one year. While there, she met her former husband, Ronald Montonye, with whom she had five children. She spent time living in Fergus Falls, MN; Crookston, MN; and Rugby, ND. She spent her last twenty years residing in the Grand Forks area.

Terri was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Marie; and brother, Robert. She is survived by her children Randy Montonye, Fargo, ND; Amy (Eddie Garrett) Racine, Eugene, OR; Andrea (Brian Stauss) Anthony, Grand Forks, ND; Steve (Adrienne) Montonye, Minto, ND; Michael (Caisee Sandusky) Montonye, Minot, ND; and her siblings Tim (Barbara) Johnson, Palmer, AK; David (Carol) Johnson, Loudon TN; Dawne (Dale) Brooks, Juniata, NE; L. Roger (Anita) Johnson, Longmont, CO; Richard (Svetlana) Johnson, Denton, TX; Sandy (Grant) Lindell, Adams, ND; Kirsten (Norman) Tafelmeyer, Cooperstown, ND; Eric (Lona) Johnson, Turtle Lake, ND; Karen (Joe Cullum) Johnson; Mount Calm, TX; her 9 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, and many nieces and nephews.

After a life filled with ups and downs, Terri is now at peace. Remember her with joy and love.

A private memorial service with family will be held at a later date.