Teri Lutz White

Teri Lutz White, age 64, of Columbia passed away on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at the University of Missouri Hospital surrounded by family. She was born on July 21, 1961, the daughter of Harlan Ray and Ada (Walcott) Lutz Sr.

Teri graduated from Hickman High School where she was a proud member of the Future Homemakers of America (FHA). She later studied business and computer science at Columbia College earning multiple associate degrees and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Teri’s early jobs were at Oakland Plaza Lanes, the Greyhound bus station and the Missouri Department of Revenue. She then went on to work at 3M in Columbia for over 35 years. Teri worked hard to provide for her family and created a home filled with love no matter how much or how little she might have had.

Teri had many hobbies during her life. In her earlier years, she was a bowler like her father and a flower gardener like her mother, but Teri was a crafter through and through. She found joy in creating beautiful things. From sewing in high school home economics class to making gifts for her children and grandchildren, her happy place was behind a sewing machine. Teri was a skilled quilter and enjoyed a good shop hop or quilting retreat and was a former member of the Booneslick Trail Quilters’ Guild.

Teri loved spending time with family and friends and was a special soul that lit up a room with her smile and recognizable laugh. She had a talent for making people laugh through a joke, a story, or just the funny way she went about life. There are countless tales of “Teri moments” as she and her family and friends fondly referred to them. She brought joy to so many people and will be dearly missed.

She had a kind heart and loved the Lord and even in her own struggles, found peace by sharing His love with others around her. She has gone home to be with her Father in Heaven where there will always be happiness and serenity.

Teri is survived by her mother Ada Lutz of Columbia; children: Christina Payne (Jeremy) of Boonville, Matthew White (Sara Blacklock) of Ashland; siblings: Lori Cook (Brad) of California, Missouri, Jodi Flatt (Michael) of Columbia, H. Ray Lutz, Jr. of Hallsville; grandchildren: Hudson, Mallory and Olivia; and bonus grandchildren: Tyler, Coby, Sarah and Ashden. Teri is also survived by tubs and tubs of quilting fabric.

She was preceded in death by her father Harlan Ray Lutz Sr. and sister-in-law Tricia Lutz.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Ave.
Dallas, TX 75231.

Arrangements are under the direction of Howard-Millard Funeral Home, 1397 Ashley Rd., Boonville, MO 65233 (660) 882-3381. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.howardfh.com.

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