Terri Ann Dennis

69 years old of McLoud, Oklahoma, passed away on September 24, 2024. This was one year, nine months, and twenty-one days after suffering a stroke to her brainstem which left her in a “locked in” state of unconsciousness. With her oldest daughter faithfully devoted to her care, Terri defied most odds; her organs held strong while her body remained wound free and she broke the barrier of communication by clenching her mouth shut, startling at loud noises, stiffening around heavy-handed caregivers, and often shedding tears during conversations or after visits from Decklynn & Hayven. With Troy (daughter) and Lori Hames (private caregiver) providing round the clock care, she fought vigorously and fearlessly to overcome her injury for 661 days before the Lord called her home.

Terri was born on November 25, 1954, to Kenneth Eugene LeMaster and Shirley Lavonne (Green) LeMaster at University Hospital in Oklahoma City. The 2nd of 5 children, she grew up in Harrah, Oklahoma, and graduated from Harrah High School.

Terri experienced a few jobs out of high school and even ran her own home daycare but finally found her calling when career path led her to the legal system. She poured in with her whole heart and dedicated years to working not only in Oklahoma County Juvenile Justice but also the Oklahoma County District Courts. She started as an assistant court clerk and quickly promoted through the ranks to Bailiff. She worked for various judges through the years including: Honorable Tom Manning, Honorable Kari Gray, and Honorable Donald Deason. Eventually Terri left the court systems to start working for attorneys. She spent many years investing in family law, civil litigation, and criminal defense but was most passionate and took the most pride in the work she did at the law Offices of Doug Friesen where she enjoyed client meetings, interviews, and preparation for trials. She was personable, compassionate, and empathetic to clients on such a level that each felt like the only client in the world when she was around. Terri beamed with pride when showing off the office and grounds and when helping with events such as the “Dead Animal Party” where her witty humor played a role in naming food and creating games.

Terri poured her entire life into helping others. There was never a family member or friend in need that she turned away no matter the history or cost. She would give her knowledge, experience, time, and love freely and effortlessly to make sure whoever needed her got the very best she had to offer. She was one of the original CASA volunteers and continued to donate time there throughout her years. She loved supporting BACA. She was a child visitation facilitator for the district courts and always quick to home and feed a child in need. Her heart was huge and when it came right down to it, she was the most selfless person around. Taking care of others was truly the blood of who she was.

Terri loved family. She retired so that she could spend time with and care for her mother. During the last several years she connected deeply with not only her mother but with cousins and siblings and supported them through some very tragic times and needs. She did so with a graceful and merciful heart. She enjoyed traveling and casinos and time with her dearest friends Donna Bryson, “Ildi” Ildiko Jakab & Cesar Cabugao, and Pat Foster. She cherished her friendships with Doug Friesen, her sister Janice, and her ex-husband Michael Kendrick.

More than anything else, Terri loved being “Gramzie” to her grands and great grands. This was where she shined the brightest and where her heart and smile swelled larger than life! Her big bright eyes and boisterous excitement in her voice when she announced to people when “Nollie” was born or when “Decky” was born are unforgettable. She made sure she was the first to sing the “Pat-a-Cake” and “Itsy Bitsy Spider” songs and teach them the hand signals and expressions to go along with the songs. By the time each child was a few months old, she had them cooing, laughing, and repeating her and what a glorious sight it was! It was one of her favorite things to do. She could sooth a baby like no one else could and her grands and greats absolutely adored her for it! She took pride in planning the baby showers, and birthday parties, and family holidays that led to her time with family, friends, grands, and great grands and found great pleasure in mimicking cakes and recipes and holiday decor she found on Facebook. 

She is sure to be remembered not only for her kindness and generosity but also for her sense of humor and quick wit! Her sarcasm and comebacks would generate laughter and banter that carried on and on. Many cousins can testify to the delightful fun she exchanged in person, via text, and on social media both day and night. Her intellect and wit were used in friendly and competitive word games with cousins and friends. She got a kick out of badgering them after a good beating. Terri was a speed reader of sorts and loved to read. She also loved to share her love of reading with her kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. Terri was a huge Stephen King and Dean R. Koontz fan who could rattle off any detail about any book or the author. There was nothing she wouldn’t read!

Terri was preceded in death by her father, Kenneth Eugene LeMaster; her mother, Shirley Lavonne LeMaster; her sister, Debra Kay Deardorff; her best friend, Donna E. Bryson; her husband, Charles Ernest Dennis; her dog, Magoo; and several nieces and nephews.

She is survived by her sister, Janice Lynn Watts of Nicoma Park; her brothers, Mickey LeMaster of McLoud and Kevin LeMaster of McLoud; and her four children: daughter, Troy Lynn Skorkowsky of Harrah, son, James Dustin Skorkowsky of Harrah, daughter, Keri Anne Nickels and Curtis Scott of El Reno; bonus son, Max and Lindsey Feazel of Little Axe; bonus son, Bobby and Chrysti Kendrick of Norman; as well as nieces & nephews who she helped raise as her own: April Hampton, Randy Ross and Mayela Barron. Her grandchildren left to carry on her legacy include: Ashleigh Lane & Jacob Deckard, Destinee Skorkowsky, Mykal & Brendan Ford, Peggy Skorkowsky, Maddyson and Brandon Shiplett, Jacob Skorkowsky, Jordan Scott, Cheyanna Watson, Reines Watson, Ruby Skorkowsky, Ryann Wilson, Braelynn Hutchison, Landon Feazel, and Jaxon Scott. Terri also leaves behind her 9 treasured great grandchildren, a host of bonus grandchildren and great grandchildren, and many other nieces, nephews, and extended family that she loved dearly.

The loss of Terri has left a tremendous void in many lives. Her commitment and dedication to others and her ability to invest so deeply into the lives of those she cared about will surely never be forgotten. The sudden and tragic stroke that left her incapacitated has scarred us for a lifetime but a special thanks goes out to some caregivers who were an intricate part of her post-stroke journey in the many days, weeks and months where she needed it most. Our most thankful prayers go out to CCU nurses: Austin Webster, Amanda Fugate, Richele and especially Alana Williams who invested deeply in not only the physical care but also the emotional care of Terri. More thankful prayers go out to 2nd floor nurses Jordan P. and specifically Richele who transferred from CCU and kept a special watch on Terri. Bringing Terri home would have been impossible if not for the legal help from Michael Rogalin and Tiffany Rogalin, private care giver, Lori Hames (who was her leading advocate in Troy’s absence for work), hospice nurses, Wanda Smith and Sheri Fritz, tech Brandy Plumley, private nurses, Beverly White and Kenda Smith, and private CAN, Jada Smith.

Public visitation will be held Tuesday, October 8, 2024, from 10:00AM to 7:00PM at AE Funeral Services, 603 W. Independence St., Shawnee, OK.

 A funeral service will be held Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at 1:00PM at AE Funeral Services Chapel with interment following at Harrah Memory Lane Cemetery, Harrah, Oklahoma.