Dawn Haley

“Pete” Dawn Renee Whipple Haley passed away in her home surrounded by family, friends and her beloved pets. She will be greatly missed by all who loved her. She was born in Lewistown, MT to Shirley and Don Whipple on June 7, 1951. She had two brothers and one sister. Pete grew up in Billings and graduated from Senior High School in 1969. A few years later, she had two daughters, Tammy and Tracey. She also had three stepsons: Gary, Tim, and Steve. Pete had many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. In 1999 Pete married her best friend, Mark and they spent 20 wonderful years together. Pete had a passion for travel and she especially loved going on trips with Mark in search of those ever elusive and perfect antiques. Pete loved the outdoors and camping (not to mention the Boones Farm that came by the case). She also enjoyed fishing, bowling, sewing and crafts. Pete cherished spending time with her many grandchildren, especially Takia Dawn and Victoria Dawn with whom she had a very special and close bond. Takia and Grandma were pretty inseparable; they enjoyed many shopping trips and vacations together. In her early years she ran the snack bar at Jubilee Lanes and later at Fireside Lanes. Pete later found her calling in caring for people with developmental disabilities. She loved her job and this year would have been her 29th year with Residential Support Services (she was shooting for 30)! She started as a sub eventually working her way up into management and then administration as Director of Habilitation Services. Pete was the boss and the cornerstone of her family. She loved them so much and was very proud of them. Pete was a very strong woman who always told it like it is. She didn't mince her words and you either loved and respected her or… well we won't talk about that. Pete didn't get mad very easily, but when she did you had better watch out! Yet, she was the least selfish person you could ever know, and she always put others before herself. Pete did not like to get up early, if at all possible, and needed at least an hour or more to get ready even in emergencies. Pete also had quite a sense of humor and when she told her favorite jokes you may find them to be a bit shocking! Pete wanted to say a special thank you to Dr. Lisa Robinson for her honesty and care over the years. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Residential Support Services.