Catherine Mary Keim
Loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Sister, Friend to all, and Helena’s former First Lady, passed away peacefully at her home, with family members present, the evening of November 5th, 2017.
Cathy (Katie, Kate) was born and raised in the small but proud community of Judith Gap, Montana, to Charles (Charlie) Joseph Volf, and Marliealena (Lena) Boutsen on November 20, 1929. She was the third born to a family of three sisters (The 3 blonde towheads) and two brothers. She received her early education in the Judith Gap (Go Tigers) School and was the Senior class president and Salutatorian of her senior class, as well as the Bugler (playing Trumpet taps) at the Judith Gap Cemetery.
Upon graduating from High School, Cathy enrolled in Dental Nurse’s School in San Francisco. Upon receiving her degree she worked at Veteran’s Hospitals in San Francisco, Spokane, and then Helena, where she met a handsome, young, Second Lieutenant. Steve and Cathy were married on July 12th, 1952, in the Cathedral of St. Helena.
Cathy was a full-time mom and homemaker for their daughters and ten years later for their two sons. She was a gourmet cook, not only for her family, but many of her children’s friends who came and were always welcomed to the Keim home for Cathy’s lemon pies, tacos, hamburgers, corndogs, cookies, and any other goodies she would prepare for “The Bengal Brunch.” At one time she fondly recalls a taco eating contest. The winner being a running back, devouring eleven tacos, and runner up, son: Chris, consuming nine. She never turned down her children’s friends for a meal or sleep over. During Cathy’s and Steve’s early marriage years, she cared for other children to assist Steve’s tuition at Carroll College, as well as other family expenses.
Cathy was truly “Helena’s First Lady” in the late sixties and early seventies during Steve’s tenure as Mayor and Commissioner. She was not only a busy homemaker and mom, but also volunteered to serve as Chairman of the Lewis & Clark Cancer Committee, in charge of the Cancer assistance grants and Cancer Closet, keeping Steve busy delivering beds, wheel-chairs, etc. in their 1964 Ford pick-up. Cathy was on the board of Directors for the “Home of Good Shepard” later called “the Florence Crittenton Home,” for twenty five years. She volunteered for the Cathedral of St. Helena, PTA and the Bengal Booster Club. Together Steve and Cathy hosted many foreigners from the Far East and Europe, during their “Friendship Force” years.
Cathy endured moving nine times during their sixty-five years together, including Fort Knox, KY., Fort Lee, VA., Fort Benning, GA., and Washington, D.C., before settling down at their small Ranchette in the Bitterroot Valley. During their retirement years, they enjoyed well deserved cruises, camper traveling, and their ranch lifestyle. When Cathy’s long term illness became apparent, they returned to Helena, their beloved Hometown. Cathy’s other interests and hobbies included attending their children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events, hiking the Bitterroot Mountain range, identifying Montana’s wild flowers, and teaching friends to dance the Polka.
She was preceded in death by her parents, sister, and two brothers.
She is survived by her husband, sister; Elizabeth (Bette) (Mike DeBiase), daughters; Susan (Gary) Doran, Marilyn (Channing) Yong, Stephanie (Brad) Munk, sons; Steve (Michelle Marie) Chris (Michelle Lee), fifteen grandchildren, and six great grandchildren, and numerous nephews and nieces.
In lieu of flowers or cards, memorials are suggested to the Florence Crittenton Home, 901 Harris St., Helena, MT., the Montana Military Museum, Fort Harrison, or the Carroll College Athletic Fund.
A Viewing will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Monday, November 13, 2017 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave, with a Vigil Service to follow at 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 14th, 2017 at the Cathedral of St Helena, 530 N. Ewing St. Burial will be held at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Ft. Harrison.
Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Catherine.
Service Schedule
Viewing
3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday November 13, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Monday November 13, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Tuesday November 14, 2017
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
After the Mass
Tuesday November 14, 2017
Brondel Center of the Cathedral
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
After the reception
Tuesday November 14, 2017
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroe's Rd.
Ft. Harrison, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Viewing
3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday November 13, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Monday November 13, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Tuesday November 14, 2017
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
After the Mass
Tuesday November 14, 2017
Brondel Center of the Cathedral
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
After the reception
Tuesday November 14, 2017
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroe's Rd.
Ft. Harrison, Montana 59636
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Michelle Van Nice says
Stephanie, thinking of you and your family and keeping you all in my prayers. So sorry for the loss of your Mom – I know how much she meant to you.
Michelle Van Nice
Donald and Lisa Hill says
Dear Uncle Steve, Susan, Marilyn, Stephanie, Steve, Chris and families ~ We are sending our sincere thoughts of sympathy and prayers to you all during this very difficult time of loss. This is a lovely obituary and tribute to Cathy – you have definitely captured her energy and passions for her family and community! May Cathy’s legacy of love and your wonderful memories surround you and bring you comfort in the days and weeks ahead. With much love to all,
The Don Hill Family
Seattle, Washington
Linda Greaves says
Stephanie and family
Please know that you are in my prayers as you grieve your Mom’s passing. May your memories of your Mom’s well lived life and her devotion to your family bring you comfort in the days and years ahead. May God comfort you all and may you feel his loving arms around you today and the days ahead. Russ and Linda Greaves
Joe Siebenaler says
To the Keim’s,
From the Joe Siebenalers – All of our thoughts and prayers are with you! I echo the thoughts of others in regard to your Mom’s obituary, it is a great tribute to a great woman!!! I have nothing but fond memories of your Mom and the Keim family as a whole. I always looked forward to our time together.
Please allow the tears of sorrow to wash clean the path for fond memories. Know that she is in a better place and in GREAT company.
I will now look upon the Bitterroots with an even greater fondness and carry her with us as we continue to explore this little bit of Heaven!! God Bless you all. I will see you Tuesday.
Joe & Family
Marilyn Yetter Olson says
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time, I grew up with the Keim family and have found memories of Cathy babysitting me.
Roger Hagan says
Steve and family, I extend my sincere condolences for your loss. While I never knew your bride well, I am sure she was an outstanding lady. Prayers for you and yours.
Joe Beason says
Steve and family our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Family and friends will always remember fond memories of Cathy.
Sincerely, Joe and Rosemary Beason
John Cherie Dahl says
Steve and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of Cathy’s passing. You were a special couple and Steve you meant a lot to me in our time together in the Montana National Guard. ?
Ross Cannon says
Steve and family: My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. I remember Cathy from as far back as the days she sat for our kids. She was a lively lady. She will be missed.
Ross Cannon says
Steve and family: My sincere sympathy to you and your family. I remember Cathy from the days she sat our kids from time to time. She was a lovely lady. She will be missed.