Lorraine Case

On December 21, 2025, Lorri (Lorraine) Case passed away following a serious injury when she fell down the staircase in her home.  Lorri was born in Maywood, California on August 11, 1946, to Gifford and Suzanna Case.  She grew up with three brothers, Richard, Gerald, and Daniel.  Her father was an electrician, while her mother was the homemaker for the family of six.  Gifford had served in the Navy during World War II; Sue worked during the war at an aircraft manufacturer.

Growing up with three brothers, Lorri described herself as somewhat of a tomboy.  The family’s life was heavily influenced by religion, Lorri attended Maywood Christian School.  She skipped sixth grade and attended Bell High School, graduating in 1963. Her brothers felt that she talked too much and called her “radio”.  She did, however, participate and excel in several sports.  At one point, she was the sole female lifeguard at a public pool in Los Angeles when it was primarily considered a male occupation. Her parents did not emphasize or encourage academics but instead raised her to become a housewife.

She attended Northwest Christian College in Eugene, Oregon. During orientation week, she met her future husband Gerald “Jerry” Keck. He was studying to become a minister in the same faith as her family, and they were married in December of 1965. They moved to Enid, Oklahoma where Lorraine attended Phillip s University and changed her major from Christian Education to Physical Education in which she earned her degree.

In Bartlesville, Oklahoma Lorri taught junior high school girls’ physical education, instructed swimming, bowling, field hockey, and other sports. She was also regularly engaged in activities at the Christian church. In October 1970, their daughter Julie was born.  It was at this time that Lorri became interested in human relations.

In 1972, the family moved to Billings, Montana where Jerry began serving as a minister of the First Christian Church.  Lorri became very involved in community activities and state-level Church activities.  She was president elect of the Montana Association of Churches and served on a national board in education for Christian church. She participated in the Women’s Movement and Equal Rights Amendment and was involved in the Billings Women’s Center.  Her son Matthew was born in 1974.

She began employment at Rocky Mountain College as Director of Continuing Education. She wrote a grant and built the program into a great success and was listed in Outstanding Young Women of America. During this time, she and Jerry grew apart and their marriage ended in 1979.

Lorri met Steve Mackey, a Billings attorney, through mutual friends.  They were married in 1983; Steve has always said that Lorri saved his life.  Many people would call Lorri to talk about matters of personal concern or difficulties they were facing.  She could listen to the person and help them realize that there was a way to see the problem in a more optimistic light. Adults and even teens were comfortable discussing their worries with her.  This was her gift. Her husband encouraged her to pursue a formal degree in counseling, which she did.  In 1988, she attained a master’s degree at MSUB and opened a private counseling practice.

Lorri and Steve purchased one of Billings historic homes and devoted many hours to having it updated while retaining its character.  Over the past several years, they traveled the United States in their airplane, attending concerts and pursuing genealogical research for their families.  They also flew to Canada on several occasions for vacation and visiting relatives.  More recently they traveled to Europe, South and Central America, Asia, and Africa.  At the time of her death, Lorri and Steve were booked on a cruise around New Zealand and Australia in January.

Lorri loved watching both of her kids play Ultimate Frisbee and attended the annual Memorial Day Tournament “Bozofest” for many years. Their teammates would tell Julie and Matt, “We like the two of you alright, but your mom is even cooler than you!” She traveled as far as Hawaii and Prague to watch Julie play Ultimate. Lorri also really enjoyed going to Dodger baseball games with Matthew.

Lorri is survived by her husband Steve Mackey, daughter Julie (Jeff), son Matthew (Sarah) and two grandsons, Clayton Keck and Aaron Keck.  She is also survived by her brother Rich, brother Jerry (Sandra), sister-in-law Terry case, three nieces and a nephew.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Dan.

A celebration of life for Lorri will be held in Billings at a date in 2026 to be determined.  Cremation has taken place.  In lieu of flowers or other memorial, a donation in Lorri’s memory may be given to your charity of choice.