Leah Gay Voorhies

Leah Gay Voorhies

February 15, 1932 ~ April 26, 2023

It is with great sadness that the family of Leah Gay Voorhies announces her passing on April 26, 2023, at the age of 91.

Leah was born in Troy, Montana on February 15, 1932, to Ruth Fry and Charles Chapel. Leah grew up in Troy with her six siblings hunting and fishing. Leah met and married the love of her life Richard on July 22, 1948, and started a family. Both Richard and Leah were active members of the Elks Club and often brought their family to the club and events.

Leah loved her family and they made lots of memories camping at Devil’s Creek, fishing for walleye, huckleberry picking, and of course enjoying “Grandma’s fish fries, homemade huckleberry ice cream, and huckleberry pancakes!” The family will remember the many days of playing games at the table with the endless pots of coffee. In 2007, Leah’s husband of 58 years passed away. Leah spent her time with her friends and family whether it was road trips to visit her kids, camping, family dinners out, or just sitting around enjoying each other’s company. It must not go unsaid that there will never be another cinnamon roll or blue cheese dressing like Leah’s. In honor of Leah, the family would like to share her recipe to carry on her legacy. Leah’s Blue Cheese Dressing: 1 quart Mayo, ½ pint sour cream, 6oz. blue cheese, 2 good shakes of Tabasco, 2 good shakes of Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp. garlic salt, and pepper.

Leah will be remembered for her loving heart and helpful nature. Leah was always helping family members and strangers alike, feeding and caring for them. Leah will also be remembered for her quick wit and sharp mind, even to her last days. Leah was a strong woman, many can attest, and fought a hard battle with illness in the last year. But she was ready to be reunited with Richard and her three children whom she missed very much. Her last days were surrounded by family and she was beaming with joy for the last family reunion to celebrate her. Leah passed away peacefully in her sleep to be with the Lord. Leah is loved by many and leaves a lasting impact on all who knew her and will be missed dearly.

Leah will be lovingly remembered by her son Mike Voorhies, daughter Debbie Voorhies (David), brothers Alton Chapel and Pat Chapel, 19 grandkids, 27 great-grandkids, 13 great-great-grandkids, and many extended family and friends. Leah is preceded in death by her husband Richard Voorhies, daughters Connie Marcum and Ruth Judkins, son Rick Voorhies, and grandsons Jeromy Bryant and Baby Richard.

A funeral service will be held at The First Baptist Church, 751 N. Marias Ave., Shelby, MT on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at 3:00 p.m., followed by a reception at the Elk’s Club.

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Leah, but we know she has been reunited with her husband and kids and is watching over us in heaven.