Betty “Teri” Teresa Gerland, 70, of Montgomery City passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, August 23, 2026. She was born on August 12, 1956, in St. Louis to James Franklin Brooks and Juanita Bernice (Dunn) Brooks.
Teri worked for many years in security at the Division of Youth Services in Montgomery City, where she later retired. Following her retirement, she became a bus driver, a job she truly loved. Teri cherished the children she drove and took great pride in making a difference in their lives. She enjoyed both of her careers and the people she met along the way.
Outside of work, Teri found joy in the simple things in life. Teri loved tending to her flower gardens and found great joy in watching them grow. Her dogs held a special place in her heart, and she loved them dearly. In her younger years, Teri enjoyed riding horses, a pastime that brought her much happiness.
Above all, Teri’s greatest pride and joy was her family. She loved them deeply and treasured the time she spent with them. She will be remembered for her loving heart, her wonderful sense of humor, and the laughter and happiness she brought to those around her.
Teri is survived by her children: Christina (Ron) Trent of Cadet (Washington County), David (Roseann) Gerland of Warrenton, Joshua (Kae) Gerland of Norfolk, Va. and Patricia (Dave) Holiway of Pilot Grove; grandchildren, Jocelynn (Colin) Loehr of Anchorage, Alaska, Jacob (Amanda) Trent of Imperial (Jefferson County), Jennifer (Cameron) Sutton of Farmington, Blake and Braden Gerland of Warrenton, Joseph and Benjamin Gerland of Norfolk, Va. and Eleanor and Elijah Holiway of Pilot Grove; great-grandchildren: Finnegan Loehr, Cheyenne Stockwell, Adrien Stockwell, Aubrey Stockwell, Callie Stockwell, Oaklynn Sutton and Layla Sutton; and her sister, Donna Jacobs of Rogers, Ark.
She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Juanita Brooks; and her brother, Butch Brooks.
Teri will be cremated and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.
