Loretta “Lori” Delaney, age 66, of Billings, formerly of Miles City

Loretta “Lori” Joanne Delaney, age 66, of Billings, MT formerly of Miles City, MT entered eternal rest on September 15, 2023. Lori was born September 4, 1957 in Miles City, MT. She was one of the youngest in a brood of 7 children; born into a life that required a scrapping spirit and determination to get through whatever it handed you—both of which she had in spades. She was considered small and sickly, having suffered pneumonia and thyroid disease as a toddler, but fought her way through. As she navigated the tumultuous life she and her siblings shared, the bonds between them only grew. Those bonds remained, buried deep inside her, with love, for the rest of her life.

She had difficulty during the years of her primary education, learning later that she had dyslexia. This diagnosis wasn’t widely recognized at the time, however she never let it hold her back from anything she wanted to accomplish.  During her high school years she took a Sociology class and learned that “everybody deserves respect no matter who they are or what they do in life”. When coupled with what her father, Butch, taught her, “Treat people the way you want to be treated” her path was set. She sought to be an advocate for those who didn’t have a voice and help women and children so they wouldn’t have to go through the things she and her siblings experienced growing up.

She was a trailblazer for Women’s Rights – although she never saw herself that way. In highschool she was one of the first to play football with the boys. She went on to graduate high school in 1977 and later to college_, fulfilling her dream of becoming a welder. She was one of the first female certified welders in the state of Montana, gaining that certification in just one year after triumphantly challenging and testing out the second year. The spring of her life was spent paving a path for women to have a place in “a man’s world”, working in mines and construction – all while raising 2 children on her own.

She was active in the school system while her children attended, especially the music and sports programs. She coached Little Guy Basketball and could be found at every event her children participated in; always sporting the biggest smile. Hearing her children sing and play in band was one of her greatest joys; especially when they did so together. She was a fiercely protective “Mama Bear”, fighting to ensure they had what they needed to be successful and independent in life.

After her children graduated she decided she wanted to see the country and learned to drive a semi-truck. She saw all 48 states and reveled in the diversity each offered. However, in 2001 her driving career ended suddenly after an accident. Following a short time getting back on her feet, she returned to college; taking classes in Criminal Justice and Sociology, and graduating from Montana State University – Billings with a Bachelor’s Degree of Applied Science in Sociology in 2007. In the winter of her life she actualized her dream of advocating for kids, and in part, made one more dream come true by working as a counselor with Youth Dynamics – a non-profit program which provides hope and healing to thousands of children and families suffering trauma and mental health challenges.

Lori was a devout Christian who strived each day to show the same love, grace, and compassion for others that she believed God showed her. Through all of life’s difficulties, she never turned away someone in need – helping as best she could by volunteering time, donating money, and being an advocate for those she sensed were having a hard time. She was active in her Bible Study Group and could always be found carrying one in order to share what brought her the most joy: agape love.

Lori is survived by daughters Jesse Lasater-Keller and Stephanie L. Delaney; son Alexander J. Delaney; brothers Michael Davis and Kevin Gribble; sisters Joyce Hutzinbiler, Marla Goodman, Diana Gribble, Tonye Truba, Julie Whiteley and Denise Wolford; grandchildren Joseph, Arianna, Kaelyn, Edith and Avery; along with many cherished aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by mother Irene D. Gribble; father Howard L. Gribble; and granddaughter Emma Delaney.

A Celebration of her Freedom will be held on Saturday, October 7^th, 2023 at the Starner Gardens Community Room, located at 230 Starner Ln., Billings, MT, 59105 between 11am and 2 pm. Lunch will be provided – feel free to bring any special food or dish she enjoyed in fond remembrance. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Lori’s name at Tumbleweed Program of Billings (www.tumbleweedprogram.org\) and Aspen – Abuse Support Prevention Education Network of Livingston (www.aspenmt.org).

And remember, as Lori always said, “Don’t take any wooden nickels”.

Service Schedule

Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.

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