Lorraine Hope (Crumrine) De Leo

Lorraine Hope De Leo 97 of Hamilton passed away Friday, November 11, 2022 at The Hamilton Assisted Living in Hamilton.  She was born Lorraine Hope Crumrine on August 31, 1925 to Elmer Straud Crumrine and Elnora Mae Crumrine in Atchison, Kansas.

At age 5, her family moved West in a Model T For with her in the Rubble Seat.  In 1934, her mother and 2-year-old sister Anita Mae, died due to burns during their house fire.

Lorraine, her sister Velma, and brother Elmer remained with their father in La Conner, Washington. At age 12 Lorraine and her siblings moved to the Everett Washington Children’s Home for 3 years while their father built a house in Renton, Washington. The family was together again.

In 1942, Lorraine met Frank Robert De Leo in the driveway of her house as he rode by on his motorcycle. She was 16 at the time. She married Frank with her dad’s permission at age 17.  The marriage lasted 61 years until Frank’s death in 2004. They had four children, Frank Jr., Phillip, Loretta and Mark.

Lorraine loved being a homemaker.  She loved to cook and bake.  She could make the best Apple Pie miles around. She would send an extra piece of pie in Franks Lunch box for his buddies at work.  Whatever they did they did it together.

In 1989 there was a big move to Montana where they enjoyed all the wonderful outdoor activities, lots of hunting, fishing, and camping. Their big thrill was every summer for many years the Retired Safeway Drivers Club would come park in their yard on Hamilton Heights for a long weekend of games and chatter.

Lorraine was an avid Crocheter and made many Afghans while sitting with Frank watching ball games on TV.

Lorraine was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church and loved, and was loved, by her church family. Everyone was always welcome at her house. Came on in for a cup of tea and cookies.

Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents, husband Frank Sr., son Mark and grandson Jody and granddaughter, Kelly.

She is survived by her children, Frank Jr. (Pat) De Leo, Phillip (Julianne) De Leo, and Loretta Bundy; grandchildren, Frank De Leo III (Virginia), Sandra (Todd) Furdyk, Barry De Leo, Wesley (Katie) De Leo, Jeffery (Sherry) De Leo, Jessica Marcele, Lathan (Melinda) De Leo, Gary (Kaysee) Pillo, Lance (Renee) Pillo; 25 great grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and acquired family members.

A graveside service will be held at 12:00 noon December 1, 2022, at the Avon Cemetery in Avon, Montana.  A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday December 2, 2022, at the Hamilton Seventh Adventist Church with Pastor Bill Whitney officiating. The family suggests memorials to The Hamilton Assisted Living & Memory Care, 235 Old Corvallis Rd., Hamilton, MT. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com

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