Carrie Lynn McDowell
Carrie Lynn McDowell, beloved daughter, sister, and aunt, 63, passed away on March 18, 2022, suffering from the effects of congenital heart disease, surrounded by her loving family. She was born January 30, 1959 and baptized February 22, 1959 in Corvallis, OR, the daughter of James and Roberta (Reu) McDowell. In 1960, the family moved to Stillwater, OK, then in 1963 to Fargo, ND. Finally, in 1965, they moved to Billings, MT and remained in Montana for the rest of Carrie’s life. In 1978, they moved to the country to a small place at Worden, MT. Then, in 1983, their final move was to the family ranch at Silesia, MT.
Carrie graduated from Billings West High School in 1977, a member of the National Honor Society. She graduated from Eastern Montana College with academic distinction in 1981 with a BS in Education. She substitute taught for several years in local rural schools before finding her love teaching preschool/day care. She taught at the YMCA for several years moving to Little Seeds in 1991 upon the closing of the YMCA’s day care. She remained at Little Seeds the rest of her life, 30+ years. In 1994, she was credentialed as a Child Development Associate. She loved the preschoolers and used to brag that she had “potty trained” half the population of Billings.
Carrie loved to cook, creating many delicious meals for visiting college students and guests at the ranch. She loved music, playing cello in her youth and singing in choirs. She enjoyed many hobbies, including the creation of many bead ornaments and cross stitch pictures to give away. She loved to can and freeze produce, often finding many “treasures” at local markets and in the garden to preserve. She loved her dogs – especially the family’s many basset hounds. Family – near or far – was important to her. She always looked forward to her yearly visits to family in other states, and she loved the holidays and family gatherings. She was a loving, caring, giving, praying person, and will be deeply missed by the many she came in contact with.
Carrie was a member of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church for over 50 years. She was confirmed there in 1973, served on the Board of Education several years and sang in the choir whenever she was able.
Carrie is survived by her mother, Roberta, of Silesia, her siblings Jess (Joleen) of Colorado Springs, CO, Leonard Matthew (Carla) of Salt Lake City, UT, and John of Grand Junction, CO, as well as her nieces Courtney and Jasmine and nephews Austin and Marko. She was preceded in death by her father, James “Doc” McDowell.
A celebration of life for Carrie will be held at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, 2336 St. Johns Ave., Billings, MT, on Saturday, April 30 at 10:00 am, followed by a luncheon. Inurnment will be at Rockvale Cemetery, at 3:00 p.m. that same day, followed by a reception held on the ranch at Silesia. Memorial gifts may be made to Little Seeds Early Childhood Center or to Mt. Olive Lutheran School.
