Lorraine Eloise Malott Craik

The words you are about to read are only a shell of the intricate soul who was our mother. Those who were blessed to share a moment in time with her know that she was a wellspring of warmth and light to all those she came in contact with. There is no adequate way to rightly articulate these sentiments other than to hope that her love, her laughter, and her joy in connecting with you will encourage and inspire you to do the same with others.

Lorraine Eloise (Malott) Craik, 72, of Trout Creek, Montana, passed away suddenly on March 15, 2025, in a tragic car accident.

Lorraine was born in March of 1953, in Watsonville, California, to Arthur Malott and Ella (Middleton) Malott. She was raised in a loving Christian home where the joys of the outdoors, gardening, and singing were ever present. She attended and graduated from Laurelwood Academy in 1972 and then went to Walla Walla College (now Walla Walla University) where she earned an Associate's degree in Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services.

It was during this time that she met and married James Craik, and together they embarked on what would become a lifetime of bold adventures and unwavering commitment. Throughout their marriage, they traversed continents and created a life rich with experiences, often making the impossible work with limited resources. Their love for service and for each other fueled their global adventures—each always there for the other when it truly mattered.

A woman of warmth and compassion, Lorraine had a remarkable ability to make those around her feel seen and valued. Her determined attitude helped her overcome obstacles, while her natural knack for connecting with people—strangers and friends alike—left lasting impressions on all who met her. Lorraine was always generous with a smile or a hug.

As an active member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Lorraine's faith led her to serve in whatever capacity she could wherever she found herself in the world. From working as a counselor at summer camps to volunteering as a student missionary in Tanzania during her college years, her passion for people propelled her journey. Throughout her life, she touched countless lives with her compassion and kind-hearted service while living in Southeast Alaska, Brazil, Washington state, Cambodia, Guyana, the Arctic, and right here in western Montana.

She is survived by her husband, James Craik; her children, Jeremiah Craik, Jessica Coffee, and Everett Craik; her grandchildren, McKenna Gillham, Annaliese Craik, Taylinn Craik, Calder Craik, Ezekiel Coffee, Lincoln Coffee, Everett Coffee, and Evan Craik; her great-granddaughter, Lanae Gillham; and her siblings, Leland Malott, Lila Malott, Linda McCoy, and Larry Malott. She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Ella, and brother Lowell Malott.

A memorial service will be held on April 26, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Church of Heron, 11 Sonrise Dr, Noxon. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Thompson Falls SDA Church, labeled "Guyana Project."