Tomi Jo Orcutt

Tomi Jo Orcutt passed away in Great Falls, Montana on October 3, 2024.

Tomi Jo was born in Havre Montana December 22, 1942 to Thomas and Eleanor Danell. She was raised with her siblings, Dick and Marylou, as well as her cousins Carol Jo, Clyde, and Clifford. Their household was always full of love and laughter, open to anyone who needed them.

TJ was always known for bringing people together which included her Queens, her bridge buddies, her teacher group; whatever it was she was always up for shenanigans and laughter!

Tomi Jo’s greatest joy was raising her children Joe, Tim, Mark and Jeri Lynne. There was never a shortage of something to do whether it be chasing pigs out of the yard, riding a motorcycle, being a boy scout leader, coaching softball, or being a supporter at the fair just to name a few; whatever it was she always showed up for her kids. Even in adulthood, she was there to support and protect her family.

In 1994 Tomi Jo embarked on an adventure of a lifetime to Australia on a teacher exchange for a year. While enjoying her Australian students and new friends she was visited by an old friend, Butch Orcutt, and they quickly became best friends and the love of each other's lives. In 1995, she married Butch and they enjoyed many years living on Mortimer Gulch and exploring the Sun Canyon together. They traveled on numerous adventures and enjoyed their time decorating their cabin and sharing their love of Mortimer Gulch with family and friends.

As her children grew, Tomi Jo developed a love of her greatest role yet, that of grandmother. She loved her grandchildren fiercely and was always their biggest fan. She and Butch hosted camps at the cabin and attended every sporting event, rodeo, and activity they were able. Grandma Tomi Jo spent countless hours recording scrapbook after scrapbook to show them how important and loved they are.

Tomi Jo had a passion for teaching and contributed to the Conrad Public Schools since she moved to Conrad in the early 60s. She truly loved the individual gifts of each student. It didn’t matter where she went or what she did, there was always a former student who would greet her with a huge hug and a story about how she was their favorite teacher. It continues today, messages flow in from all over, including from her Australian students. Many students continue to reap the benefits of programs she started including Ag in Montana Schools, and St Michaels catechism that she developed with her good friend Kathleen. She was a pioneer on many fronts and left her legacy in many ways that none of us will ever forget.

In the past few years, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Her memories faded, but her spirit lived on. There were many hilarious and fun moments with her. She danced her way into the hearts of many, including the wonderful staff at the Huckleberry!

Mom’s light never dimmed. She shined and continues to shine through those she loved. She was a teacher and best friend. To us, she was a wife, mom, and grandma. She was our everything, the leader of this family.

Today she is no longer held hostage in her mind. She is dancing her way into heaven. Waiting for her is her son, Tim; her parents Tom and Eleanor; her brother Dick, her sister MaryLou; her nephew Jim; her stepson Jason; several aunts and uncles; as well as many dear friends including Reba Jo.

Tomi Jo is survived by her loving husband and best friend, Butch (Robert) Orcutt; son Joe Russell of Conrad MT; son Mark and Lori Russell of Boston Massachusetts; daughter Jeri Lynne and Andre Russell-Harris of Conrad Montana; step daughters Patsy and Steve Kirkhart of Great Falls; Wendy Willason of Conrad; grandchildren Sharidan (Mohssine)Russell; Taylour Jo Russell; Timothy Russell; Bridger Russell; Seth Russell; TJ (Ashlee) Bennyhoff; Samantha (Nick) Alspaw; Loryn Kirkhart; Marcus Willason; Jace Kirkhart; Tasha Willason; Alison, Reed, Scarlet and Steele Harris and great grandchildren Alicia Bennyhoff; Renley and Roan Alspaw; sister in law Joann Danell and Margie Williams; nieces Mariah Rathbun; Jolyn Doiron, and Britain Danell; nephews Brian Danell, Mike Danell, Jack Murray and Reid Danell, as well as many cousins.

A vigil for Tomi Jo Orcutt will be held at Asper Funeral Home, 302 Main St. in Conrad on Wednesday October 9th starting at 7:00 pm Visitaton will be prior to vigil starting at 5pm. Funeral services will be held at St Michaels Catholic Church on Thursday October 10th at 10:00 am with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, Tomi Jo asked for a scholarship to be set up with Conrad Scholars. Please send any donations to: Tomi Jo Orcutt Memorial Teacher Scholarship, Conrad Scholars, Box 787, Conrad MT 59425.