Terry Anita Hobson

Surrounded by the family she loved so deeply, we share that our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend, Terry Anita Hobson, of Lava Hot Springs, Idaho, passed peacefully in her bed on December 14, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. Throughout her journey, Terry displayed incredible courage and unwavering hope. She fought with determination and grace, inspiring everyone who knew her.

Terry was born on September 18, 1956, in Montpelier, Idaho, to Juanita Julia Schaefer, and was lovingly raised by Harold Richard “Skip” Schaefer, whom she proudly called her dad. From an early age, she carried a quiet strength, a curious mind, and a compassionate heart — qualities that would define her entire life.

Terry attended Elementary school in Montpelier and Georgetown, Idaho, and Wood River High School in Hailey, Idaho.

In 2001, Terry was diagnosed with a rare cancer, GIST, beginning a courageous 24-year journey that she faced with remarkable strength, grace, and determination. She fought like a warrior, never allowing her illness to dim her love for others. Her resilience was extraordinary, and she may be among the longest-living individuals to battle this rare disease.

Terry was first married to Kim Solum, with whom she had her beloved daughters, Heidi and Barbie. In 1988, she married the love of her life, Barry DeRay Hobson, and together they built a home filled with laughter, music, dancing, hospitality, and unconditional love — the place where everyone who entered felt welcome and cherished.

Throughout her life, Terry worked in customer service, construction as a flagger, and lovingly maintained the flower gardens for the Lava Hot Springs Foundation. Her most impactful work came as the Site Director of the Senior Center in Lava Hot Springs, where she touched countless lives and served her community until her cancer diagnosis in 2001.

Terry will be remembered for her fierce devotion to her family, her boundless kindness and generosity, and her joy in caring for others. She loved to host and feed people — often insisting everyone have seconds (and thirds). She was an incredible cook, baker, decorator, gardener, and artist, talented in pencil and oil, endlessly patient with puzzles, and an avid reader from childhood through the end of her life. Her love of learning made her profoundly knowledgeable, insightful, and wise, and her advice reflected that wisdom — always honest and straightforward, yet delivered with deep empathy and love.

She was a Master Gardener who delighted in fairy and gnome gardens and was a devoted collector of gnomes. Terry was also a gifted healer, carrying on the traditional remedies and wisdom she learned from “Grandma Hobson,” honoring those teachings throughout her life.

Terry was also a beautiful dancer. She and Barry were mesmerizing on the dance floor — a joy to watch wherever they went. When they first met, Terry taught Barry to dance in the kitchen, and within months, they were masters together.

Terry’s greatest joy in life was her grandchildren, Brennan Braun and Brody Braun, whom she adored beyond measure. She was incredibly proud of the young men they had become — their strong work ethic, their fierce love for their mother, and the way they faced and overcame obstacles that ultimately brought their family closer and stronger. She also held Bailey Soto, Brody’s girlfriend, close to her heart, embracing her as a granddaughter in every way that mattered. Just days before her passing, Terry told Bailey that she had brought light into their lives — and that she would always be her granddaughter.

Terry is survived by her loving husband, Barry Hobson of Lava, her parents, Harold Richard “Skip” and Juanita Julia Schaefer of Richfield, ID, her daughters, Heidi Solum of Pocatello and Barbie Solum of Lava Hot Springs, her grandchildren, Brennan Braun of Boise and Brody Braun and Bailey Soto of Eagle, her brother, Alan Black of Pocatello, her sisters, Tina Black of Soda Springs, Pamela (Pam) Kay Keller of Paul, Nita Rudolph of Burley, and Estela Tovar of McAllen, TX; and her extraordinary dog, Jack “Cracker Jack” Hobson, who was more than a pet — a loyal guardian, loving companion, and hero who once saved her from choking.

She is reunited in heaven with her brother, Dusty John Black, and her sisters, Cherry Lynn Black Elliott and Roxanne Caroline “Cindy” Packer, whose memories and love she carried with her always.

Terry often said, “I never met a dog I didn’t like,” a simple truth that reflected her gentle spirit and love for all living things.

Funeral services will be held publicly at the LDS Church, 437 W. Spring Street, Lava Hot Springs, Idaho, with a viewing at 10:00 a.m. and services at 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place at the Lava Hot Springs Cemetery, with a luncheon for family and friends to follow at the church.

In loving memory of Terry, friends and family may send plants or flowers to the LDS Church in Lava Hot Springs.

Terry’s legacy is one of strength, compassion, hospitality, wisdom, and unwavering love. She was the heart of her family — and she will be missed beyond words.

Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting the Guestbook below.