Teena Kennedy

Teena Louise Kennedy was taken from us on August 30, 2025, at the age of 65.  Teena was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother to husband Terry, sons Caleb and Cameron, and grandchildren Damon and Dallas. 

Teena was born in Billings, Montana, on March 7, 1960, to Herman and Francis Salveson.  At the time, she already had 10 siblings, most of them nearly grown and out of the house.  She was virtually an only child to elderly parents, who worshipped her and took her to live in many parts of the country, including Joliet, Montana; South Padre Island, Texas; Oak Harbor, Washington; and Port Orford, Oregon.

Teena and Terry went to the Joliet High School prom together at the ripe old age of 16 and have never left each other’s side since.  There was no stronger bond than their love.  Married on Valentine’s Day 1981, they promised their hearts to each other forever.

Teena gave up her job when her first child, Caleb, was born to be a stay-at-home mom.  Even so, she stayed busy serving as PTO president and an election judge for many years.  After they left home, she worked for the US Census Bureau, followed by a job at a chiropractic office.  When not working or doting on her children, Teena’s passion was travelling.  She visited many parts of the world with family and wonderful friends.  She visited 43 of the 50 US states, intending to see them all, but pancreatic cancer had other ideas. 

She was a silent, gentle leader, but never too proud to follow.  She was incapable of complaining and always selfless, and she had the patience of a saint. 

She had a wonderful and exciting life with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.  Teena’s greatest joy in life was her two sons, Caleb and Cameron.  She was so proud of the men they had become, and she knew that they loved their mother deeply, which gave her immense strength at the end of her life.  Her grandchildren, 8-year-old Damon and 3-year-old Dallas, were also the light of her life.

Teena was Terry’s wife, his life, and his best friend.  He will cherish her for all of his days and love her forever.

Teena is survived by her husband Terry Kennedy; sons Caleb (Brooke) Kennedy and Cameron (Katelyn) Kennedy; grandchildren Damon and Dallas Kennedy; sisters Clarita Wissinger and Mary Behrendt; and brother Loren Woods.  She was preceded in death by father Herman Salveson; mother Francis Salveson; sisters Marguerite Ruggles, Mary-Allen Mullerstuen, and Barbara Jean Kent; and by brothers John Woods, Butch Salveson, Jack Salveson, and Wayne Salveson.

A celebration of life and a memorial will be announced in the coming weeks on social media.