Teresa 'Terri' Louise Sayer, 76, passed away on June 5, 2026, in Gothenburg. She was born on April 15, 1950, in McCook.
Terri was the daughter of Bud and Harriet Vandervort and grew up with the values of hard work, faith, and family that would guide her throughout her life. She graduated from McCook Senior High School in 1968.
On Dec. 20, 1969, she married Michael Sayer at McCook, and to this union two sons, Ronald Michael and Randy Lee, were born.
They lived in Wichita, Kansas while Mike was in the Air Force.
Following Mike's honorable discharge from the Air Force, the family moved to Cambridge, where Mike farmed with his dad on the family farm until moving to Gothenburg in 1985.
Throughout her working years, Terri served others with a warm smile and a dependable nature. She worked at the lunch counter at Hested's Dime Store and later at Peter's Dairy Creme, where her friendly personality made her a familiar and welcome face.
She also spent many years as a waitress at Pizza Hut, where she took pride in caring for customers and doing her work well. On Sept. 15, 1998, she began a new chapter as a cashier at Peterson's Supermarket, later Fresh Seasons Market, where she worked until her passing.
Faith was an important part of Terri's life. She was baptized and became a member of Banner Church on Jan. 17, 1988, the same day as her sons. Her Christian faith gave her strength, comfort, and direction, and it remained an important part of who she was.
She lived her beliefs quietly and sincerely through the way she treated others, always with patience, compassion, and grace.
Terri's greatest joy was spending time with her husband Mike, her sons Ron and Randy, and the many friends who were fortunate to share in her life. She enjoyed quilting and especially loved embroidering blankets for the babies of her friends, a reflection of her thoughtful and generous heart. She also enjoyed reading and looked forward to going to the state fair. She was preceded in death by her husband, Mike Sayer; her parents, Bud and Harriet Vandervort; her brother and sister-in-law, David and Robin Sayer; sister-in-law, Connie Sayer; her nephew, Doug Hinton; her uncle, Ken Vandervort and Ann; her aunt, Phyllis Schultz; her lifelong friend, Dianna Meissner; and her uncle and aunt, Jack Vandervort and Bertis.
She is survived by her sons, Ron Sayer of Hastings and Randy Sayer of Omaha, as well as her brother, Wayne of Hansen, Idaho, along with other extended family members and many friends.
Visitation will be held Sunday, June 14, from 2-4 p.m. at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel in Gothenburg, with the family present.
Funeral services will be held Monday, June 15, at 10 a.m. at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel in Gothenburg.
Burial will follow at Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Banner Church.
Online condolences can be made at www.blasestrauser.com. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel & Monuments of Gothenburg.