Lorri Simpson

Lorri Simpson, 66, passed away Monday, October 19th 2020 at her home in Hamilton, MT. She is survived by her children Jason McCawley (Linda), Sarah Hankinson (Calvin), and Jeremy McCawley (Kristin); her grand-children Tyler Hankinson (Sierra), Michayla Hankinson, Dakoda Hankinson, Madison Hankinson, Owen Hankinson, Drue McCawley, Jillian McCawley, Clare McCawley, Ayden Long and Julia Long; her great-grandchildren Braydon Hasby, Gracie Hasby and Knox Hankinson; her sisters Cathy Donaldson (Charles) and Susie Behm (Tim); Nieces Amanda Jessop (Mark) Jennifer States, Anna Springer and Hailey Behm; Nephews Paul Donaldson (Sam), Jake Dodson, Max Dodson, Troy Springer and Blake Behm; her great-nephews Asher Jessop, Cooper Jessop, Fletcher Jessop and her great-niece Paisley Donaldson and numerous other family members. She is also survived by her beloved dog, Miley. The family would like to thank Crystal Sherman for helping take care of Miley.

Lorri was preceded in death by her loving parents Tom and Phyllis Simpson and her sister Karen Springer.

Lorri was born in Durango Colorado on June 24th, 1954. She graduated from Arvada West High School in 1972. She then met and married Mickey McCawley. In 1979 they moved to Hamilton MT. While in Hamilton Lorri spent many hours decorating cakes, canning, gardening and raising her three kids. She also owned and ran a small retail shop for a short period of time in Hamilton. Lorri and her kids then moved to Sandpoint Idaho in 1986 where Lorri married Daryl Ford and owned and operated a Ben Franklin crafts store.

Lorri moved back to the Bitterroot Valley in 1994, where she would build her dream home “up the mountain” near Victor MT with her parents. It was up on the Mountain where most of our family’s fondest memories were made. From chasing bats out of the house to large family Christmases, the mountain is where Lorri’s heart always was. She also ran a concrete plant in Corvallis MT during this time.  From concrete to crafts Lorri did it all! No matter what the season of life was, Lorri worked very hard! Lorri then moved back to Hamilton in 2012, where she lived until she passed.

Lorri’s true love was her family and helping others. She wouldn’t hesitate to give the shirt off of her back to anyone in need. One of her biggest joys was taking her dog, Miley, to the Valley View Estates to visit the residents. Along with her dad, Tom, she started and ran a food kitchen for some time in Hamilton MT. Lorri loved serving food to those in need! But Christmas was what meant the most to Lorri. She loved for all of her to family gather, eat food and celebrate together. Her Santa collection easily filled an entire room!

The family would like to thank Lorri’s caregivers Trey and Michelle. We know that Lorri’s last years in this world were better because of their care.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Lorri next spring.  In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made in Lorri’s name to the Ravalli County Council on Aging; 310 Old Corvallis Rd, Hamilton MT 59840 or Bitter Root Humane Society PO Box 57 Hamilton MT 59840.

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