Kathryn Mae Felstet

– Kathryn M. Felstet, loving wife, mother and grandmother, 97, of Missoula, passed away at home from natural causes June 17, 2013. Kathryn was born in Glenwood, Minn., to Les Eckert and Anna Olson Eckert.

She married Ray F. Felstet on Nov. 10, 1938, in Nashwauk, Minn. All five of their children were born in the Bigfork, Minn., area. The couple moved their family to Ovando in October 1948. They lived on Two Creek Ranch for a number of years. Kathryn worked in the mess hall while Ray operated heavy equipment for the clearing of Hungry Horse Dam.

They moved to Superior and lived there from 1954 to 1966. They then moved back to Ovando and ran the Corner Bar and Café. Next they moved to the Monture Ranch and finally to Missoula after Ray had a stroke. Kathryn was Ray's caregiver until his death in 1990.

Kathryn started with Head Start and was a proud Foster Grandparent. She retired from her work after 25 years. She lived in the Camelot Apartments for 35 years.

Kathryn enjoyed crocheting, knitting, sewing and playing bingo. She loved her friends, flowers, music and singing with the Mellowaires. She spent a lot of her time at the Senior Center and was a longtime member of United Methodist Church.

Kathryn was preceded in death by her husband, Ray Felstet; two sons, Donnie (August 1969) and Dick (November 2000); six sisters; and two brothers. She was the last of the Felstets in her generation.

Survivors include her daughters, Reta (Bill) Goodman of Lolo, Sonie (Les) Guttu of John Day, Ore., and Lorna Hegel of Missoula; daughter-in-law, Em Felstet; 17 grandchildren, Donnie, Diane, Wetona, Donald, Ronda, Brenda, Texanna, Rex, Chad, Julie, Russell, Eric, Jodi, Darcy, Debbie, Bobbie and Robert; 41 great-grandchildren; 12 great-great-grandchildren; sister Elsie (Dr. John) Green of Baraboo, Wis.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services will be held Aug. 24 at 1 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home. A reception will follow the service.

Donations in Kathryn's memory may be made to the Foster Grandparent Program at Missoula Aging Services or the Senior Center.

Read Kathryn Felstet's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.