Terri Rae Sterling, 78, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2025, in Salem, Oregon, surrounded by the love of her family. Born in Multnomah County, Oregon, in 1947 to Harold and Evelyn DeBorde, Terri lived a life defined by faith, devotion, and an unwavering love for those she held dear. Terri’s greatest joy was her family. She was blessed to share one final Christmas with them—a sacred time spent celebrating her faith, sharing memories, and offering heartfelt goodbyes to each person she loved so deeply. Her presence during those moments reflected the grace, strength, and selflessness that defined her life. In 1998, Terri married her best friend and partner, Monte Sterling. Together they shared more than 27 years of love, laughter, and steadfast companionship. After retiring from the Milwaukie Police Department, Terri and Monte moved to Salem to help care for their three youngest grandchildren, a role Terri embraced wholeheartedly. Known affectionately as “Gam,” she was a tireless prayer warrior and a firm believer that caring for family was life’s most important calling. Terri was a devoted mother to her sons, Jason and Troy, and a deeply loving grandmother to Ally, Alex, Caleb, Caeden, and Colbie. She made it her mission to ensure each of them felt valued, supported, and unconditionally loved every single day. Terri was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Evelyn DeBorde; her sisters, Evelyn (Haroldine) and Kathleen (Kathy); and her brother, Charles. After a courageous three-year battle with an aggressive cancer, Terri’s life came to a close far too soon. Her strength, faith, and determination throughout her journey left a lasting impression to all who knew her. Terri’s legacy of love, faith, and family will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. She will be greatly missed.