Carol Ferrell

Carol Susan Fake Ferrell, age 80, of Billings, MT, formerly of Great Falls, MT, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.

Carol is preceded in death by her father, Earl Fake, and mother, Catherine Fake, and her husband Gerald ‘Jerry' Ferrell. Carol is survived by her daughter, Rebecca ‘Becky' McAllister, son, Michael ‘Mickey' Ferrell, daughter-in law, Dawn Ferrell, granddaughter Catalina ‘Lina' Ferrell, grandson, Jameson ‘Jamie' Ferrell, and her niece, Sarah Whitley, her partner, Sarah Sunde, and their children Bennett, Emerson, and Carloline. Carol is also survived by her brother Steve Fake and his children Brenda Fake, Brian Fake, and Pam Stevens.

Carol grew up in Billings, Montana and graduated from Central High School. Carol met her husband, Jerry while he was serving in the US Air Force at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls. On September 14, 1968, Carol and Jerry were married at St. Pius the X and honeymooned at the Yodeler Motel in Red Lodge, MT.

In late 1974, Jerry and Carol adopted their son, Mickey, and in 1977 adopted their daughter, Becky. Along with Jerry, Carol's children, grandchildren, and extended family were the center of her life. She was incredibly proud of her children and grandchildren and was affectionately known as “Grandma with the Apple Tree” as Carol would hang ‘apples' from her tree in the backyard whenever the grandchildren would come to visit.

Carol worked for more than 30 years with Prudential Financial Services in Billings, MT as an office assistant. Upon retirement from Prudential, they ‘rehired' her the very next day as the office could not run without her. After a second ‘retirement' from Prudential, Carol intended to volunteer with Catholic Social Services, (the adoption agency that helped her and Jerry with their own adoptions decades previously). Here too, Carol proved so valuable, that Catholic Social Services hired her to work in their office instead of volunteering.

Some of Carol's fondest memories were spending summer weekends with her parents and her children camping at ‘The Roost' near Fishtail, MT. Carol had a deep, lifelong, love of horses and owned a Chestnut Filly named Goldie for many years. Carol enjoyed many activities with her husband, including bowling, playing pinnacle, Trivial Pursuit as well as golfing with her whole family.

Our family is especially thankful to Ann, Kyra, Linda, Michelle, Terry and Kory who diligently helped Carol's daughter, Becky, look after her as she battled severe dementia. Without their support, Carol would not have been able to remain in the home she loved and surrounded by her family when she passed.

Carol will be laid to rest with her husband on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 12 pm in the Yellowstone National Cemetery (Veterans Cemetery) at 55 Buffalo Trail Road, Laurel, MT 59044. A gathering will follow at the family's residence.