Kathleen Marie Gilder

Kathleen Marie Gilder, 76, of Missoula passed away on Wednesday Jan. 29, 2014, at St. Patrick Hospital.

She was born Kathleen Marie Keefe, June 1, 1937, to Arthur and Helen Keefe in Deer Lodge. Kathleen spent her earliest years living in Gold Creek, later moving with her family to Missoula as a young child. In Missoula she attended St. Anthony Grade School and graduated from Sacred Heart Academy.

Kathleen grew up in the Daly Addition area of Missoula. She worked at First National Bank in downtown Missoula during the 1960s, having also worked in banks in Great Falls and California.

In 1970, Kathleen married Sam Gilder in Missoula. They had been married 43 years at the time of her death. She was a devoted mother, volunteer and homemaker. She loved caring for children. Through the years she always made herself available to watch not only her grandchildren but also nieces and nephews and eventually their families.

Kathleen was especially proud of her four grandchildren and was a regular fixture at all of their events. Her presence will be missed on the sidelines, behind the backstop, in the audience and in the bleachers.

Kathleen is survived by her husband Sam Gilder; her son Scott Gilder and grandchildren Logan Gilder, Noah Gilder, Evan Gilder and Eden Gilder, all of Missoula; her sisters, Anna Lee Kiff of Ringling and Margaret (Bill) Bordner of Missoula. Also many nieces, nephews and their families. Kathleen was preceded in death by her parents and brother-in-law Jerome Kiff.

A Funeral Mass will take place at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Missoula with a reception to follow. A Catholic Rosary is planned for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4, also at the church.

Memorials in her name may be made to the Camp Mak-a-Dream Children's Oncology Camp Foundation in Gold Creek or a charity of the donor's choice
Read Kathleen Gilder's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.