Lorretta (Becker) Jennings, 78, of Valier, MT, passed away on January 28, 2023, surrounded by her family.

Lorretta, born on May 5, 1944, to Gordon and Nora "Bessie"(Perry) Becker in Conrad, MT, immediately brought joy and laughter into the world. Lorretta went on to graduate from Conrad High School in 1962. 

After graduating from high school, Lorretta went on to pursue a degree in Cosmetology at the Montana Beauty College in Great Falls, MT.

Lorretta fell in love with styling hair, which kicked off a career beginning at the Dean Hotel in Conrad and ventured to owning and eventually selling her own shop the Kut 'N Kurl.

  On January 4, 1970, she married Clarence "Pinky" Jennings. The couple later moved to Valier where Lorretta worked for Barb's Beauty Shop until her family needs took precedence over her career.  Lorretta and Pinky were married for over 31 years and had 3 children, Michael, Holly and Bryan.

Lorretta was a fiercely dedicated mom to all of her children, mourning the early loss of her son Michael, volunteering for and following all of Holly's activities and helping to make sure Bryan succeeded at all his endeavors in spite of having Muscular Dystrophy. While raising her family she styled hair in her kitchen for a few friends every Saturday morning and had a small cleaning business for businesses and homes in Valier.  Family and friends came first and was above all else to Lorretta, a value she instilled in all those around her. The hole left by her absence is impossible to fill. Lorretta was a constant joker and loved to tease her family and friends.  You had better be home when she dropped in for a visit or there would be no telling where you would find the teapot.  She enjoyed meeting the coffee crew at the Panther every afternoon to discuss the current events in Valier.  She enjoyed sewing and took great pride in the fact that she had passed down those skills to her granddaughters.  She also enjoyed crossword and jigsaw puzzles.  She was active in the American Legion Auxiliary, the United Methodist Church of Valier, Red Hats Society and served on the board for the Pondera County Area on Aging.

Later in life, Lorretta found love and companionship with Dwain Swanson.  They enjoyed afternoon coffee, western TV shows and movies, Molly B Polka and drives around the lake and countryside.

  Lorretta was predeceased by her husband Clarence "Pinky" Jennings, sons Michael and Bryan and her parents.  She was also proceeded in death by Junella (Jim) Becker Moore, Claudette (Barney) Becker VandenBos, Michael Becker, Russell Becker, Ray Keeler, Charles Keeler, Sandi Becker, Elmo Coblentz and Edna VandenBos.  She was also predeceased by her father-in-law John Jennings, mother-in-law Margret (Whipple) Jennings Wilson, Josephine (Ray) Jennings Beyer, Irene Jennings, John (RuthAnn) Jennings, Jr., Robert "Bob" Jennings, Tammy Beyer, "Aunt Babe"{"Lucky"} Whipple Struss, Butch Struss and many dear friends.  She is survived by her daughter Holly (Glynn)Jennings Collier, granddaughters Julia Winney & Kaitlynn Collier and Dwain Swanson.  She is also survived by her sister Bessie {Ray} Becker Keeler, brother Patrick {Sandi} Becker, Rose {Elmo} Keeler Coblentz, Adair (Jay)Keeler Rademacher, Bruce Becker, Ron Becker, Robin (Michael Thola) Becker Sanders, Jeff (Mary) Moore, Russell (Dawn) VandenBos, Roy "Beaver"(Teri) VandenBos and Gordon (Hope) Becker.  Marsha (Tom) Beyer Quigley, Ray (Katie) Beyer, Mark {Tammy} Beyer, John (Julie) Jennings, III, Debbie (Kim) Jennings Daughtry, Traci (Jim) Jennings Erlewine, Susan (Francis)Struss Clifford, Julie (Marty) Swanson Brian, Robert (Milissa Kochel) Swanson and many other special relatives and dear friends.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Lorretta’s name to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) at https://www.mda.org/ or the Valier United Methodist Church.

Memorial services will be held at the United Methodist Church of Valier on Saturday March 18, 2023, at 11am.   Interment to follow at the Lakeview Cemetery.  Luncheon and fellowship at the United Methodist Church of Valier.

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