Kathleen Kobold Skelton

Kathleen Kobold Skelton was born September 2, 1924 to Elmer "Slim" and Rose Kobold in Sheridan, WY
She was the oldest of 6 siblings raised on a ranch near Kirby, MT, now Rosebud Battlefield State Park.
Kathleen attended Big Bend School in Kirby, she attended high schools in Cheyenne, WY, Hardin and Billings, MT. She went to Edgewood College in Wisconsin and earned an Associate's Degree. Then she moved to Los Angeles and lived in the Stella Maris House which was next door to a Fraternity House where she met and later married Robert R. Skelton on Dec. 27, 1947. They later moved to Missoula where he attended Law School and mom joined the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and made many lifelong friends. They lived in the University student strip housing and again made lifelong friends.

Kathleen was a devoted Catholic, she was a lifelong member of St. Francis Xavier Church. She belonged to the Alter Society and loved doing the readings, giving communion and volunteered where needed. Mom also belonged to a few prayer groups. She was always reading the Bible, daily readings and books to enrich her faith. She participated in several Cursillos and belonged to the Christian Family Movement for over 35 years.

Mom was very talented, she refinished several pieces of furniture for her home. She was an accomplished seamstress and sewed for herself and her children. Mom took some art classes and became a respected wildlife artist.

Kathleen was an advocate for almost anything to do with children. She even opened her home to a young niece. Later, she took in several different unwed mothers. Mom was also a 4-H leader. She loved to play pinochle and belonged to a neighborhood birthday club.

In 1982, Kathleen bought and managed a gift shop in the airport, Rosebud Trading Post. She worked until her retirement in 2001.
Kathleen and her siblings, followed in their parents' footsteps, working hard to preserve the family homestead, The Rosebud State Park.

Mom was preceded in death by her parents, 5 siblings, her husband Robert R. and son Robert "Tim".
She is survived by her daughters Nicolette (David) Mielke, Pamela (Michael) Davis and son John, a grandson Robert Skelton the fifth (Jenni) of Kent, WA. Seven more grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews,
Mom will be remembered for her infectious giggle and sense of humor.

We would like to thank the staff of the Village Senior Residence, Pearl Garden. Their love and caring for Mom was exemplary.

A Rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m. Mon. April 18th at Garden City Funeral Home with a Memorial Service Tues. April 19th at 11:00 a.m. at Garden City Funeral Home with a reception following.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Kathleen's honor to: St. Labrairer Indian School or the Poverello Center.

Read Kathleen Skelton's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.