Lori Lynn Fjermstad

Lori Lynn Ross, born May 30, 1964, in Butte, Montana, passed away on May 12, 2025, in Deer Lodge, Montana, just shy of her 61st birthday.

Lori was the beloved daughter of Richard Ross and Phoebe Johnson Persons. She grew up surrounded by the natural beauty of western Montana, spending her early years near Lookout Pass, where the Hiawatha Trail begins. Lori began her education in Whitehall before moving to Deer Lodge in 1976. She graduated from Powell County High School in 1982, where she made many dear friends—most notably her lifelong best friend, Amy Enyeart-Brown.

Some of Lori's fondest memories came from summers spent at Yellow Bay on Flathead Lake. This was her happy place, which held a special place in her heart. She treasured the time she shared with her grandparents, Ely and Gladys Johnson, in White Sulphur Springs. Here she enjoyed countless adventures with her cousins, especially a close and enduring friendship with her cousin Carla. Lori also carried sweet memories of visits with her grandmother Marie Ross in Ronan.

Lori found great joy in the trips she took to Florida to visit her dad and stepmom, Mary Lou.  These trips were filled with sunshine, laughter, and precious time spent together, creating memories she held close to her heart.

A passionate collector, Lori had a lifelong love of dolls and took great pride in her carefully curated collection, which filled many cases and reflected her attention to beauty and detail. Just like the flowers that she would tend to every spring and summer.

In recent years following the Bobcat Football team and watching all of the games with her stepfather Clyde Persons was something that she looked forward to.

Family meant everything to Lori. She was a mother to her three sons: Scott (Kacie) Perkins, Josh Perkins (Brandon Braaten), and Cory (Cassy) Sime. Her love extended wholeheartedly to her cherished grandchildren: JT, Starlee, Hudson and Ruby Perkins, Trace Perkins, Odessa and Oaklee Sime. Lori was delighted in spending time with them, creating memories full of laughter, tea parties, and playing with dolls. Lori was also very proud of her stepchildren Jacob, Jessica, and Jami Fjermestad.

In addition to her children and grandchildren, Lori is also survived by her siblings Jim (Beth) Ross, Greg Ross, Dave (Alesha) Ross, and Cami Ross along with many nieces and nephews.

Lori's kind heart, love for family, and appreciation for Montana's quiet places will be missed deeply by all who knew her. A memorial service will be held in her honor on June 20th, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the ELKS Lodge in Deer Lodge. She will be remembered always and missed forever.

Please visit below to offer condolences to the family or share a memory of Lori.

Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home is privileged to care for Lori and her family.