Laurie Parpart Obituary

Laurie Marlene Parpart went home to be with Jesus on October 3, 2024. Laurie was born to Sylvan and Eunice Lodahl in Cheyenne, WY on August 31, 1952, while Sylvan was stationed at F. E. Warren Air Force Base. She was a much-anticipated baby and they were overjoyed when she was born. 14 months later, in December 1953, she was joined by her brother Greg. When Sylvan's 4 years were completed, the little family returned to Reserve, MT where their family and roots were. In 1957, sister Colleen joined the family, followed by brother Stan in 1958.

Laurie's entrepreneurial spirit was evident at a young age when she would go door to door in Reserve to get the week's news and then sell it to the town newspaper. The kids all attended the Reserve school until they purchased Eva Tyler's farm west of Homestead in 1965. Laurie began 8th grade at Medicine Lake School, which she and her siblings attended through graduation. In her junior year, she met Russ Parpart. They were immediately "joined at the hip", graduated together in 1970, and married in 1971. They spent 56 years together as best friends and soulmates until her sudden passing.

Their precious blond-haired boy, Paul was born in 1974 followed by a beautiful little sister, Dawn Marie in 1976. The family lived in Sidney, MT until they moved to Laurel, MT in 1982. Russ opened Laurel Refrigeration in 1984 and Laurie was employed by Park Lane Jewelry. Laurie and a friend then opened a clothing boutique in Laurel. Laurie moved the store to Billings, MT, and operated it for several years. In 2005 she had the opportunity to lease a large building in Laurel where she expanded her business into antiques and housewares. The name, "Blessed Beginnings" was born following a horrific vehicle accident where she was injured and endured many resulting surgeries over the next 24 years. Rather than ever feel sorry for herself, Laurie felt she had been "blessed" by a new opportunity to share her faith, minister to others, and help them find hope for their own "new beginnings".

Laurie grew up in a home that loved Jesus and it was apparent in all things she did. She lived her life with unwavering faith, a guiding light that shaped her every decision and interaction. She found strength in her beliefs, using them to uplift those around her and inspire hope in challenging times. Laurie's faith shone brightly, offering comfort to her loved ones.

Everyone who walked in the front door at Blessed Beginnings felt seen and heard. She welcomed them, made them feel special, attended to them, and helped them to find whatever that special item was that they were seeking. She held hands and prayed with people from every walk of life and treated them all with respect and grace. Her legacy at Blessed Beginnings will carry on with her daughter, Dawn Marie, granddaughter Jessica, and many others who were near and dear to her.

Laurie and Russ were years-long members of the Gold Wing Community and made life-long friends with so many "wingers" over the years. It was a big part of their lives and they rode thousands of miles together on their Gold Wing bike and more recently Gold Wing Trike. Their 56-year relationship was a shining example of what love, fortitude, strength, and dedication look like.

Laurie is survived by her loving husband, Russ, son Paul Parpart (Jennifer), daughter Dawn Marie Parpart (Robert Dobson), grandchildren Aspen Kennedy, Paige Parpart, Sophia Parpart, Jessica Parpart (Aaron Martin), Hanna Smith, and Zach Dobson, great-granddaughter Scarlett Parpart-Martin, brother Greg Lodahl (Susan), sister Colleen Schock (Alan), brother Stan Lodahl (Wanda), sisters in law Cassie Syme and Linda Drake, brother in law Randy Parpart, Uncle Don Jacobsen and Aunt Bernice Jacobsen and numerous nieces and nephews.

Laurie was love, light, determination, strength, and humor all wrapped into one beautiful package. We will forever miss Laurie's smile, her twinkling blue eyes, her unconditional love, warm hugs, laughter, and sense of humor. Her legacy will live on for generations to come.

We all know that we will meet Laurie again one day in Heaven when our time comes to be called "home". Until then, Dear Laurie, keep your light shining! We will not say goodbye but see you later. We will love you forever, for always, and no matter what.

Laurie's celebration of life will take place November 2nd, 2024 at 11:00am at Smith Funeral Chapel in Laurel, Montana. A procession of Gold Wing motorcycles led by Russ will meet in front of the funeral chapel and ride to the lunch afterwards. Please join us to celebrate Laurie's precious memory & wear her color, Purple!