Faced with the prospect of voting for either Donald Trump or Joe Biden, Terry M. Lance completed life on June 15, 2023.
Terry was born to Verle & Darleen Lance on October 2, 1946, in York, Nebraska. When he was 9, the family moved to Blythe, California, where Terry graduated from Palo Verde High School in 1964. He attended college and learned surveying until he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1967.
Before being sent to Vietnam, Terry married the love of his life, Ouida Neipp. While in Vietnam, Terry reached the rank of sergeant and was awarded the combat infantry badge, the Bronze Star of Valor and the Army Commendation Medal. After completing his Army obligations, he returned home to Blythe where he and Ouida started their family, beginning with Roy in 1973 and Renee following in 1975.
Terry owned surveying and excavation businesses, working the farmlands around the Blythe area for many years. He loved offroad Baja racing but later replaced that hobby with a horse and a rope alongside his son, Roy. Later, the family moved to New Mexico chasing team roping and rodeos for a few years. Finally, they made Moab their home, where Terry owned the Sportsman’s Lounge.
Terry was a dedicated caretaker to his wife, Ouida, during her illness with cancer until she passed in 2005. He filled his loneliness by playing poker and volunteering for the local VFW.
Lori Lamadrid came into his life 13 years ago and brought lost joy to Terry. They filled their final days together laughing, traveling, loving grandchildren, watching his favorite football team (Grand County Red Devils seasons 2016-2019), and doing UTV rides with their many friends across the West. Â
Terry served as commander of VFW Post 10900 for many years and was committed to their charitable endeavors, raising money for local families in need. He was of stern demeanor but loving and kind. If you were his friend, it was for a lifetime. He will be remembered for his gigantic and charitable heart.
Terry was preceded in death by his father, Verle Lance; mother, Darleen Hassen; stepfather, Charles Hassen; and brother, Larry Lance. He is survived by his son, Roy (Michele) Lance of Saratoga, NY; his daughter, Renee (Mike) Troutt; his grandchildren, Brayden Troutt, Bryant Troutt, Julia Lance, and Jack Lance; his loving companion, Lori Lamadrid, his bonus children, Jennifer (Scott) Konzen, Adam (Felicia) Lamadrid, Eric (Katie) Lamadrid; bonus grandchildren, Lily Lamadrid, June Lamadrid, Jake Konzen; his sister, Sherry (John) Jackson; and brother, Randy Hassen.
Memorial services will be held on July 1 at 11 a.m. at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery followed by a celebration of life at VFW Post 10900 in Moab. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your local VFW.
You may send condolences to the family at www.SpanishValleyMortuary.com.
