Lorraine Dewald Black, age 85, of Laurel, passed away peacefully in her home on May 11, 2020 after a hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer. Lorraine was the oldest child born to Fredrick and Katherine (Dewald) on March 21, 1935 in Hardin, Montana. The daughter of immigrants, Lorraine was raised in a predominantly German speaking household. Lorraine attended Hardin High School and graduated in 1953. After graduation she moved to Billings to attend secretarial school. Not long after her move to Billings, she met the love of her life, Richard Black, and they were married July 24, 1955. Lorraine was gifted at crocheting, crafting, sewing, and was an exceptional baker. She was actively involved in the Montana Fair for the better part of 20 years, both as an assistant to the judges and as a participant. Her famous homemade peach flip stood out as a favorite amongst the judges, and within her family. Lorraine spent most of her life in Hardin, Belgrade, and Laurel. In each of these towns, she was active in church, where she played the piano or organ on Sundays for several decades. Lorraine was also a member of a Thursday morning bowling league for nearly 25 years. It turns out that cinnamon rolls and coffee are the key to a good game of bowling, as she achieved a high-game score of 225. Lorraine also filled her civic duty, serving as an election judge for several years. Above everything else, Lorraine was the most genuine, loving, and kind-hearted woman you could ever hope to meet. Her infectious laugh, along with the warm smile that she wore everywhere she went, was a true blessing to everyone who was lucky enough to know her. Lorraine is survived by her loving husband of nearly 65 years, Richard Black; two sisters, Deloris Wittmier and Eleanor Schaefer and her brother, Robert Dewald; three children, Shawn (Ted) Tucker, Greg (Kathy) Black, and Dalyce (Ted) Thayer; twelve grandchildren, Bridget (Chris) Lorash, Rachel (Adam) Black, Braden (Katie) Black, Jasen Black, Weston Tucker, Michele (John) Matous, Angel (Adam) Hanser, Kevin Tucker, Jon (Anna) Tucker, Stephanie Tucker, Mack (Jenna) Thayer, and Joel Thayer, along with eleven great grandchildren.
Our family would like to thank Dona and Gerry for their friendship. A special thank you to Paula, of hospice, for all the love and compassion she showed to our Mom.
Memorial services will be held Monday, May 18th at 11:00 am at the First Congregational Church in Laurel.