Joseph Ralph Simpson

Joseph "Joe" Simpson, age 89, passed away at Benefis Peace Hospice on December 5, 2024. He was born on November 15, 1935, to Ralph and Catherine (Laux) Simpson in Lewistown, MT. He was the second of five children: brothers Ward, Paul, Bob, and sister Pat. 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 for their entire married life. They raised five children: Jerry (Kathy) Simpson, Dan (Lauren) Simpson, Janet (Chris) Southworth, Lori (Rick) Goodman, and Julie (Randy) Kreps. 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 on October 31, 1964.

Dad was a member of the Moore Methodist Church. He served on the Ross Fork school board for 3 years and the Moore school board for 6 years. For many years, he was actively involved with the Masonic Lodge, the Eastern Star in Hobson, the 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. A man of principle, he was honest and hardworking. He was a great listener and the best storyteller, always able to make someone laugh with his jokes. He was the King of crossword puzzles, completing many books of them until his hospitalization in November 2024. He enjoyed processing meat in the basement’s meat room, where he made the best salami and Braunschweiger around! He loved cooking snacks, especially chicken gizzards or bacon, usually after Mom went to bed at night! He was a great wood carpenter, creating beautiful kitchen cabinets, dressers, and an assortment of other treasures. He referred to his woodworking shop as his "Man Cave", where the 45-cup coffee pot was always on for family and friends who would stop in for a visit.

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

Survivors include his sister Pat (Joe) Dirkson; sisters-in-law Joy, Darlene, and Avis; his five children; grandsons Jason Goodman, Brad (Hayley) Goodman, Ben (Courtney) Southworth, Cory Simpson, and Matt (Jeannine) Simpson; granddaughters: Erin (Nic) Goodman Didier, Katrina (Paul) Simpson Venters, Karen (Ed) Simpson Cohlepp, Ginny (Jon) Davidson Alegria, Mollie Kreps, and Kim Anderson; and Dad's great-grandchildren: Dom & Liam; Toby; Dakota, Carson, Kale, Lucas & Henry; Jeremiah & James; Jonelle & Kamryn; and Ridge & Knox (7-2025).

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 miss him dearly, but we take great joy knowing he is at peace.

The Remembrance Gathering will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the Lewistown United Methodist Church. Pastor Emma Bridgeman will be officiating. Following the service, everyone is invited to stay and join the family for a reception.

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