Joseph Ralph Simpson

Joseph (Joe) Simpson age 89, passed away at Benefis Peace Hospice on December 5, 2024. He was born November 15, 1935 to Ralph and Catherine Simpson in Lewistown, MT. He was the second of five children: Ward, Paul, Pat, and Bob. He grew up and spent his entire life in Central Montana.

 On November 27, 1955 Dad married his high school sweetheart and best friend Betty. They farmed and ranched in the Moore/Ross Fork area their entire married life. They raised five children: Jerry Simpson (Kathy), Dan Simpson (Lauren), Janet Southworth (Chris), Lori Goodman (Rick), and Julie Kreps (Randy). Early in their marriage Dad served in the Army National Guard for nine years and was in the first graduating class of the Montana Military Academy (June 28, 1958). He was honorably discharged as a Reserve Commissioned Officer First Lieutenant October 31, 1964. 

 Dad was a member of the Moore Methodist Church. He served on Ross Fork school board for 3 years and Moore school board for 6 years. For many years he was actively involved with the Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star in Hobson and also York Rite and Shriners. He was inducted into the Montana Masonic Hall of Fame in 2017.

 Dad was a loving and caring man. Dad loved the Lord; he was a great father and role model. He was a man of principle, honest and hard working. He was the best storyteller and could always make someone laugh with his jokes. He was the King of crossword puzzles. He enjoyed processing meat (in the meat room of the basement) along with cooking snacks (especially chicken gizzards or bacon) after Mom went to bed at night! He was a great wood carpenter, making beautiful kitchen cabinets, dressers and an assortment of other treasures. The 45-cup coffee pot was always on for friends and family who would stop in for a visit. 

 Preceding Dad in death was our beautiful mother Betty, parents Ralph and Catherine, brothers Ward, Paul, and Bob and grandson Ryan.

 Survivors include his sister Pat (Joe) Dirkson, sisters-in-law Joy, Darlene and Avis and his five children along with eleven grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and many, many great friends.

 Dad was heartbroken since Mom's passing on August 19, 2023. He was able to stay at home until the last four weeks of his life. He was so looking forward to meeting Jesus and dancing with our Mother in Heaven. We will miss him dearly but take great joy in knowing he is at peace. 

 A celebration of life service will be in late spring when the sun is shining, the grass is green, and the roads are dry! Memorials can be made to Central Montana Foundation (Hobson Ambulance), Benefis Peace Hospice (Great Falls, MT), or the Donor’s choice.

 Arrangements are under the direction of Cloyd Funeral Home. Condolences for the family may be posted online at www.cloydfuneralhome.com