Lorraine Ruth Schwenke, 76, of Zortman, Montana passed away March19, 2019 in Billings, Montana.
Lorraine Ruth, daughter of Floyd and Dorlene (Friede) Miller was born on March 23, 1942 in Havre, Montana. She grew up in Chinook, Montana and attended the Chinook High School.
Lorraine was united in marriage to Charles Schwenke on May 3, 1961 in Whitefish, Montana. The couple lived near Harlem, Montana. Lorraine worked on their farm in Harlem, where she hayed, calved, doctored many sick calves in the feedlot and many, many other jobs. In 1977 Charlie and Lorraine purchased the ranch near Thornhill Butte in Landusky, where she lived until she passed.
Lorraine loved her horses. She was active in omoksees, chuck-wagon days, 4-H, rodeos, barrel races, and team ropings. She helped start the Little Rockies Barrel Racing Association in the early ’80s and which is still going strong today. She was a director of the Montana State High School Rodeo Association. She was actively involved in the sports of her sons and grandchildren. She was undoubtedly their biggest fan. Lorraine was a very selfless person always putting her wants and needs behind those that she loved. She made endless sacrifices for the people around her.
She is survived by her husband, Charles Schwenke; sons, Dusty (Julie) of Harlem, Montana and Shane (Vicki) of Zortman, Montana; brother, Larry (Phyllis) Miller of Elkwater, Alberta, Canada; sisters, Judy (John) Brady of Big Piney, Wyoming and Mitzi (Gordon) Huft of Townsend, Montana; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.
The family will receive friends 10:00 a.m., Monday, March 25, 2019 at the Old Malta High School Gym in Malta, Montana. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m., Monday, March 25, 2019 at the Old Malta High School Gym, with a luncheon to follow at the Tin Cup Bar and Grill in Malta, Montana. Memorial can be made in Lorraine’s name to the American Cancer Society of Montana, 1903 Central Avenue, Billings, Montana 59102 in the memo please put “funds to remain in Montana”.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
10:00 a.m.
Monday March 25, 2019
Old Malta High School Gym
Malta, Montana 59538
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Monday March 25, 2019
Old Malta High School Gym
Malta , Montana 59538
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Margarett Campbell says
Our family sends Condolences to the Schwenke family. Lorraine was a very beautiful person and a real, true cowgirl. Hugs and prayers, Charlie, Shane and Dusty and families.
Jack and Donna says
We are so sorry for your loss. It sounds like your mom was pretty awesome. May God bless all of you at this. Jack and Donna
Marty Lyle Cochran says
My Friend, I will always miss you! Lyle remembers the Ribbon Roping days with you, one of the best runners! You always ran to win, as a team we never lost a race! A true champion, friend and horsewomen!
,
Carol Goulet says
Dennis & I will always remember Lorraine from our 4-H years and the Harlem Chuckwagon Days. May God give the family peace in this time of loss.
Betty D. Campbell says
My deepest condolences and prayers for comfort for her family. Lorraine was a dear friend, and one of the most accomplished and talented ladies I’ve ever known She will be so missed by everyone who knew her.
Larry Miller says
When I was growing up, I was told, “If you’re half as good as your sister Lorraine is, you’ll make a real good hand.”
Larry Miller says
When I was growing up, I was told , “If you’re half as good as your sister Lorraine is, you’ll make a real good hand.”
Kim Norman says
Condolences to the family. I was happy to know Lorraine, she was a doll.
Kim Norman says
Condolences to the family. Lorraine was a swell lady. Always encouraging and smiling.
Jan Marshall says
Dick and I are so sorry for your loss. You can’t think of Lorraine without smiling. She definitely was one of a kind.
Dale & Elaine Enerson & Simser families says
Lorraine is a very special lady-Son Dusty lived with my family while going to school in Malta and that proved to be a wonderful experience-We looked forward to our visits when Lorraine would come to our home and she was such a lovable and caring person-never a harsh word to anyone and so full of life-no job was too big for her. Our sincere sympathy to Charlie, Dusty and families. Blessings-The Dale Enerson and Simser families
Emily Barthelmess Arthun says
What a kind and beautiful soul. I will always remember fondly the summer Chris and I would drive over to rope in Landusky and the yellow horse you gratuitously let me borrow. Lorraine was the first time I entered as an all girl team and we made the short go in Dickinson Nd. What a trip. The entire Schwenke family is in our thoughts.
Terry Hall says
Charlie and Family–I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Lorraine was such a nice lady and it was an honor and pleasure to know her. May you find peace in the coming days. Terry Hall Wibaux Mt.
Judy Madsen Vosen says
Condolences to the family. Lorraine’s younger sister, Judy, and I have been friends since grade school and I know Judy always looked up to her big sis SO MUCH. I never knew Lorraine, but just know she was a very important part of that family.
Arv duvall says
So sorry to the family for their loss. She will greatly be missed around Landusky and everywhere she has been. Great lady.
Karen Shelhamer you says
We were so shocked to see this in the paper. We have so many good memories and times. Duane has the picture of them winning the roping in Missoula. She was such a positive, wonderful person.
We are so sorry for your loss and send all our love.
Barbara Lafrantz says
Lorraine will be missed by all who knew her. She excelled at any task she tackled. And Lorraine had time to talk and listen so that people felt special. Condolences to Charlie and family.
Cindy Cartwright says
My thoughts and prayers are with all of the family. I think of Charlie and Lorraine often as you guys just took me in as part of your rodeo family and I have so many wonderful memories of roping with you guys. Lorraine was always one of my favorite all girl partners. Love you!!!
BilliJo Doll says
How I enjoyed going to Thorn Hill to visit. So much admiration for Lorraine.
Jack & Andie Billingsley says
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Treasure your memories and the stories of Lorraine’s life.
Bradley Craig says
Charlie, Dusty, Shane and family and friends,
I am so sorry to hear about Lorraine.
May an abundance of happy memories of Lorraine fill your thoughts in the days ahead.