With profound sadness and a deep gratitude for a life so beautifully lived, we announce the passing of Terri Jayne Steigleder, a beloved wife, daughter, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Terri went to be with her Lord and Savior on May 28, 2026 at the age of 74. Born in Frederick, OK on March 20,1952 to Tommy and Barbara Steigleder, Terri and her family moved to Athens, TX shortly after her birth. It is there where she lived and grew up until marrying her high school sweetheart Jon Milstead. After completing high school and marrying, she went on to complete her degree in speech pathology, taking classes at East Texas State - Commerce, Stephen F. Austin State University and the University of Oklahoma. Terri and Jon went on to have their three adored children, Jennifer, Tillman and Emily, and lived in several locations before eventually putting roots down in Denton, TX. As time and life went on, it took Terri and Jon in two different directions. It was then, down the road, that Terri ended up meeting the second love of her life, her steadfast and loving husband Nick Turkoly, whom she spent the rest of her life with in Denton until her passing.

While Terri touched the lives of many, nothing brought her greater joy than her family. Terri's family was the center of her world. She shared a special and enduring bond with her mother Barbara, whose love and guidance remained close to her heart throughout her life. Terri was a loving and devoted wife to her husband, a nurturing, loving and dedicated mother to her children, and a very proud and adoring grandmother to her two grandchildren. Jennifer, Tillman and Emily described her as their rock, and the most loving, strongest woman they'd ever known. Offering such an unconditional, deep motherly love, she meant absolutely everything to them. Her grandchildren, Jake and Emily, were the lights of her life and brought her immeasurable happiness. She treasured every single moment spent with them. They adored her just as much, and both could absolutely not wait until they got to have their next Nonna days. Terri grew up having a very special and close relationship to her grandparents, Tillman and Luella. They were an integral part of her life and she treasured them both very deeply. The love and adoration was mutual, them doting on and cherishing Terri throughout her life.

For more than 20 years, she faithfully served the students and families of the Ponder Independent School District as a speech therapist. Teaching was not simply her profession - it was her calling. She loved every one of her students and was deeply invested in their growth, success and confidence. Terri believed in and celebrated each as unique individuals deserving of dignity and hope, and always wanted for each child to feel accepted, included and loved. Her love, encouragement and genuine care helped countless children find their voice and belief in themselves. Many of them coming up to her when they saw her later in life, describing what a difference she had made in theirs. She also formed lasting friendships with her coworkers, who became an extended family over the years.

To know Terri, was to love her. She will be remembered for her deep faith, kind and gentle spirit, her compassionate heart, her remarkable strength and her fierce, unwavering love and devotion to her family. Terri carried herself with class. She knew nothing other than to be selfless and sacrificial. It was just in her nature to give so much of herself to others, always placing the needs of those she loved before her own. She had the unique ability to make others feel seen, valued and loved. Terri also absolutely loved to laugh. She had the most contagious laugh and brought light and fun wherever she went. Her warm smile, quick wit and joyful spirit could brighten even the darkest of days. Her sense of humor made even ordinary moments memorable. Her presence was truly a gift.

Throughout her life, Terri faced tremendous challenges including unbearable heartache and significant health struggles. Yet through it all, her faith remained steadfast. She trusted God even in the most difficult moments and served as an example of courage, grace and perseverance. This unwavering faith carried her through some of life's most painful storms. It was through these storms she taught and inspired those around her the importance of finding joy and strength, even in the most difficult of circumstances, by just watching her live through them. She never allowed her struggles to diminish her trust in God or her compassion and care for others.

She is survived by her husband, Nick Turkoly; her mother and stepfather, Charlie and Barbara Chittum; her daughter, Jennifer Nelsen; her grandson, Jake Nelsen; her granddaughter, Emily Nelsen; her brother, Smith Steigleder; her nephew and his wife, Smith Alec and Sarah Steigleder, as well as their two boys Graham and Hayes; her cousin, Jamie Reid and her husband Bobby and many other family members who loved her deeply.

Terri was preceded in death by her beloved son and daughter, Jon Tillman Milstead and Emily Milstead; her son-in-law, Erik Nelsen; her daughter-in-law, Brittany Milstead; her father, Tommy Steigleder; her baby brother, Tommy Jr. Steigleder and her grandparents, Tillman and Luella Smith.

Her absence leaves an ache that words cannot adequately express, but her legacy of faith, love, devotion, kindness and laughter will remain forever in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. The comfort we find in this devastating loss is the fact that she is now free of pain and is in the arms of her Lord and Savior, surrounded by many of her loved ones who went before her, including her cherished son and daughter.

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." ~ John 3:16

In celebration of Terri’s life, a memorial service will be held at 2:00pm on June 14, 2026 at the Denton Woman’s Club in Denton, TX. A private family graveside service will be held at a later date.

In honor of Terri’s vibrant spirit and love of life, the family welcomes guests to wear cheerful and colorful clothing, or whatever they feel most comfortable in.