Kathleen “Kathy” Annette Orr, 74, of Butte

Kathleen “Kathy” Annette Orr

Butte, Montana

Kathy passed away peacefully in her home on Monday, October 2, 2023, at the age of 74 after a 15-year battle with pulmonary fibrosis brought on by Stevens Johnson Syndrome.  Kathy was born on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 1949, in Philipsburg, Montana to Mary Evelyn Wood Hayworth and Ross Martin Hayworth.  St. Patrick’s Day would become one of her favorite holidays in Butte celebrating with friends at the parade, listening to the bag pipers and enjoying corned beef and cabbage with her dear friends.

Kathy was a strong independent lady which started at a very young age.  She left home in Great Falls, MT where she was living with her mother and youngest sister Marcia at the age of 15. She borrowed 50 dollars from her uncle and moved to Lincoln, MT to work in a local truck stop waiting tables.  She had to fib about her age to get the job and some kind waitresses took her under their wing and made sure she was watched over. This is when Kathy knew she could take care of herself on her own terms.  Kathy met Jim Orr in Lincoln, MT.  The young couple married and had two daughters.  Paula Marie was born in 1967 and Jamie Ann born in 1970.  Kathy and Jim made their home in Butte, Montana.  They later divorced and Kathy moved on to her next chapter.

Kathy earned her GED shortly after moving to Butte when her girls were toddlers and later took classes at Butte Vo-Tech in the medical transcription field.  She worked and made many friends at Silver Bow Hospital while working in admitting.  Kathy then decided to make a career change.  She went to cosmetology school and became a beautician.  This career move became her passion.  Kathy excelled in this field.  Kathy also believed in educating herself as much as possible.  She took continuing education classes in her cosmetology field as well as classes in auto mechanics, fly fishing, art classes of all kinds and the list goes on and on.  Kathy did not want to rely on anyone and was going to make her own way, which she did until she was no longer able.

Kathy was extremely talented and gifted in many ways with her toll painting, crafting, quilting, sewing, gardening, and cooking.  She made her girls matching outfits when they were small as well as countless outfits for their dolls and Barbies. Her many gifts made from her talents and love will be cherished forever.  She would make many friendships over the years through her work, toll painting and quilting.

Kathy also had a love for her precious Yorkie’s.  Bella, Dixie, Dexter, and Sophie were her constant companions. Bella, Dixie, and Dexter are with her in her heavenly home and Sophie remained by her side until the end.  Thank you, Gayle Jory, for your friendship and always caring for her babies.

Kathy loved being a grandmother to Luke, Courtney, Lakin, Austin and Beau and great grandchildren Colton, Kolby, Remi and Audie.  She was very excited about meeting and holding her newest great grandchild baby boy Ruark due in December 2023.

Kathy was surrounded by the best neighbors and friends.  Kim and Paul Dunville and Ross Gustafson of 48 years as well as Ed Freeman (Robin) and Sandy (Joe) Ivanich.  You all were a neighborhood family and watched over our mother.  We will be forever grateful.  Ed and Robin thank you for taking in Sophie and giving her a new home and siblings to love.

Kathy was preceded in death by her mother and father, Mary Wood and Ross Hayworth; Sister, Marcia Rhody; Mother-in-law and Father-in-law, Pauline and Leonard Orr who she loved deeply.

She is survived by her daughters and son-in-laws, Paula and Jim Ruark of Butte and Jamie and Steven Ravnikar of Boise, Idaho.  Grandsons, Luke (Michelle) Kenworthy and sons Colton and Kolby of Butte, Beau (Alexis) Ruark and baby boy Ruark due December 2023 of Butte, Austin Ravnikar (Kaylene Key) of Elko, Nevada.  Granddaughters, Courtney Beal (Merrick Wright) and her son Remi of Marsing, Idaho, and Lakin Kathleen (John) Myler and their son Audie of Austin, Texas. Sister – Rosemary Ashcroft Globe, Arizona, Niece – Rene Ashcroft and her family Globe, Arizona, and Nephew – Dennis Ashcroft and his family Salt Lake City, UT.

The family would like to thank Dr. Shawna Yates, Melody Rice, LCPC, Dr. Robert Popovich and Dr. Eckland for your many years of care and compassion for our mother.  We would also like to thank Damon, Bonnie and Robert of Norco and Sheena, Suni, Shamia, Jordan, and Deacon Dan of Senior Solutions. You were all so caring and loving to our Mom and we will be forever grateful.

To all her amazing friends that are too numerous to name, thank you for your friendships and being a part of Kathy’s and our lives.  For those of you that knew Kathy well, you know that she is asking to talk to the person in charge because she did not plan on leaving yet.  We feel blessed that she did not suffer, and she is with her family, friends and puppies and no longer struggling with her declining health issues.

Kathy has been cremated per her wishes by Axelson Funeral Services.  Her family will be holding a Celebration of Life in early summer 2024 and she will be placed in her final resting place which she arranged with Mountain View Cemetery.  Plans for her Celebration of Life will be published in the Spring of 2024.

Please visit below to leave a condolence or share a memory of Kathy.

Axelson Funeral & Cremation Services is privileged to care for Kathy and her family.

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