Support AJ and Bella After Losing Their Mom

On June 6th, AJ and Bella's world was flipped upside down. Sadly, their mother, Lori, unexpectedly passed away. They now are taking on the financial responsibility of their mother, who has been providing for them (groceries, the house, their pets, and other miscellaneous items).

(BELLA'S POST) As most of you know, my mother Lori passed away on Friday, June 6th, 2025. She suffered from a heart attack on Thursday morning. She was the strongest, most beautiful, caring soul I’ve ever met. She fought for everything to give her children the life she’s always wanted. She gave us everything and I’ll always be appreciative of that even if at times I was stubborn with my mama. I will miss you deeply as though you were my hero and taught me everything to make me the person who I am today. Though these days have been hard for all three of us. It’s also brought all of us closer together thankfully. Seeing how many people have reached out, made me realize how big my support system is. Mom, you were/are loved by so many. I’m so proud of the person who you became. You fought so hard to have the one dream come true, which was having the capability of bearing children of which you loved deeply. I hope this reaches out to everyone who not only you loved but of whom love you back to come and support you!

Bella recently graduated high school and was planning on attending college in the fall. AJ has been working and trying to build himself a good savings. They would like to stay in the house that they lived in with Lori, but are struggling to work the financials into their current lives due to the sudden passing. The kids are currently trying to figure out what life will look like in the future, having to adjust to the current situation. They aren't asking for much but anything will help them navigate through this tough time.

LORI LYNN PETTIS

November 12, 1969 to June 6, 2025

Lori was born in Willmar, MN, approximately 2 months early, weighing under 3 pounds, to her parents Errol and Judy (Caskey) Samuelson. After her parents divorced, Lori moved to Hawaii with her mother and attended McKinley High School through her junior year. Lori ultimately moved back to Willmar to complete her senior year at Willmar High School. In 1989, Lori married Chad Pettis from Northern Redwood Falls, MN, and they made their home in Willmar. In 2003, they became a family of 3 when they adopted their son, Alexander (AJ), and welcomed a daughter, Isabella (Bella), in 2007. In April 2012, they moved to Phoenix, AZ, where she has resided ever since. Lori’s career was in Housing Management in MN and AZ.

Lori’s world revolved around her family, especially her children. She loved her family and friends deeply and had created lifetime relationships, from her Hawaiian “#WeeBadds Forever” classmates to her Willmar classmates and friends. Some of her favorite things were taking pictures, scrapbooking, card and craft making. Lori also loved spending time with her grandparents and cousins at the Caskey Family Cabin on Lake Norway for many years.

Lori is survived by her children, AJ and Bella; her father, Errol Samuelson (Cathy); mother, Judy Fernando; ex-husband, Chad Pettis (Priscilla); mother-in-law, Sharon Pettis; brothers, Michael Reese (Emilee) and Matthew Reese (Katy); and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Lori was preceded by her grandparents, Lawrence and Florence Caskey, Harold and LaVon Samuelson; father-in-law, Gene Pettis; and numerous aunts and uncles.

If you would like to send a card to the family here is the address:

2204 W Via Caballo Blanco

Phoenix, AZ 85085