Terril Westgard

Terril Westgard, 66, the eldest daughter of Bernie and Donna Golie, passed away peacefully at her home in Columbia Falls, Montana, on April 22, 2026, surrounded by the people she loved.

Born on December 5, 1959, in Havre, Montana, Terril was raised in Hill County, where her story began, one marked by resilience, humor, and a spirit that left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

It was there she met Lance, a farmer from the northeast corner of Montana. As family stories go, their journey began in unforgettable fashion, after Terril quite literally ran him down with her mother's Buick. From that moment on, their lives were intertwined, and together they built a partnership that would span 43 years.

They eventually made their way west of the mountains to West Glacier, where they built a life, raised three children, and created something rooted in hard work, deep love, and community. Terril devoted much of her life, alongside her husband, to serving others through a long and meaningful career in emergency medical services. As an Advanced EMT with Three Rivers EMS, she supported countless individuals in moments of crisis, offering both skill and compassion to everyone she encountered.

Of all the roles she held, being a grandmother brought her the greatest joy. She was deeply proud of her grandchildren, Gavin, James, Natalie, Sofia, Bryson, and Haylee, and treasured every moment spent with them. They were, without question, the most fulfilling part of her life. She was a lover of a good movie night with her grandkids, buttery popcorn, M&Ms, and a chilled Pepsi.

Terril had the gift of gab and was probably the reason phone carriers had to offer free nights and weekends. She was never short on words and rarely short on opinions. Whether you agreed with her or not, you always knew where she stood, and you were better for having heard it.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Tracy Wendland; her mother, Donna Golie; and her parents-in-law, Richard and Renetta Westgard.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Lance; her children, Cody Westgard, Kalyne Westgard, and Cortny (Mark) Lakes; her father, Bernie; two sisters and four brothers; a wide circle of sisters- and brothers-in-law; and a truly astonishing number of nieces and nephews, all of whom loved and appreciated her deeply.

She will be remembered for her strength, her humor, her unwavering dedication to her family, and the many lives she touched throughout her years of service. Her warmth and presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the not-for-profit ambulance service she dedicated her life to, Three Rivers EMS in Columbia Falls, Montana. Cremation has taken place, and a celebration of Terril's life will be held later this summer. Columbia Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements.

She showed us how to love loudly and hold family at the center of everything.