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Terrine 'Teri' Lynn Riplinger (Spinazza), 58

| August 27, 2010 2:10 PM

Our loving wife, mother, sister, daughter, grandma and friend... passed away on Thursday, Aug. 26, 2010. Teri was surrounded by her loving family when she passed away at home. Teri was strong, courageous and brave as she fought her battle with cancer. She is now at peace with our lord in heaven.

Teri was born, Terrine Lynn Spinazza, in Kellogg, on Aug. 11, 1952. She grew up in Coeur d'Alene and graduated from Immaculate Heart of Mary High School. After attending some college, Teri chose a career in the health field. Teri worked as the office manager for Dr. Chris Kutteruf and Dr. Anita Robinson. Not only did she become a valued employee, she was like a member of the family to the Dr.'s and she loved her friendship with them.

Teri had three children and then married the love of her life, Larry Riplinger.

This year would be their 30th wedding anniversary and they lived a full life enjoying family and friends. Teri was a competitive athlete and enjoyed watching and playing many sports. Everyone knows they could find Teri in front of the TV in the winter watching Georgetown and the "Zags" play basketball and in the summer you could find her rooting on her team - the Atlanta Braves.

Teri became quite a good golfer and loved playing golf every week in league and with her friends. All who played golf with Teri knew she played by the rules and there were no "gimmies" when playing with her. They also knew that Teri would never "lay up" like Bill Everson. Teri also had a running $10 bet with Pat Gray, which she finally "let" him win... Although he doesn't know that.

In addition to sports, Teri had many passions - she loved to read and her home was filled with books, she loved teddy bears, loved to have good food and wine, she loved playing games with anyone and would definitely make sure it was competitive. Teri loved to travel and just returned on Monday from a special trip to Ireland with Larry and good friends Linda and Pat. Teri also traveled twice to Italy, with her daughter and father. You could also find Teri spending time with her two "monster boy" grandsons, Caleb and Elias Wing, they had many special memories, including trips to Disneyland.

She is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Larry Riplinger. Her children: Tyson Gilliland and Jeni Riplinger, and her grandsons: Caleb and Elias Wing. Sisters: Julie Schmidt, Nan Spinazza, Sue Spinazza and Ginny and (Scott) Petersen. Mother and stepfather: Betty Bray Baker and Karman Baker. Nephews: Nathan and (Rachael) Schmidt, Travis Schmidt, Steven Petersen, Austin Schmidt and Gage Schmidt. Nieces: Jackie Tawney and Jessica Spinazza. Her sisters-in-law: Peggy and (Norm) Suenkel, Suzie Riplinger, Barb Riplinger, and Mary and (John) Gier. Brothers-in-law: Jack Riplinger, and Mike Riplinger and (Cynthia) Riplinger. In-law nieces and nephews: Sydney and Niklaus Gier, Mick Riplinger, Mike Kirkpatrick, and Tim and Katie Suenkel.

Teri is preceded in death by her son, Eric Gilliland; her father, Louie Spinazza; her sister, Monica Spinazza; brother Steve Spinazza; father-in-law Babe Riplinger and mother-in-law Pat Riplinger.

If donating, the family would prefer contributions to the Kootenai Cancer Center.

The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2010, at St. Pius Church. Burial to follow at St. Thomas Cemetery.

Friends and family may sign Teri's guest registry and view her online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.