Kathleen (Kathy) Ann George was born in Helena, Mt on November 14th, 1952 to Arthur and Ann Nettleton. She passed away February 27, 2021.
As a child Kathy’s strength and tenacity were tested as she battled rheumatic fever for years, leaving her with a vulnerable heart and resolve made of steel. Her days as a child were filled with joy as she played with neighborhood friends on Poplar Street, which she spoke of often. Kathy graduated from Helena High School in 1971, earning her two acres of land from her parents. After high school she worked at the State Nursery and continued to develop her magical green thumb and spend days with her dear friend, Melissa Gardipee. She was a child of the 70’s hippy movement and enjoyed the freedom and fun of that era.
In 1979 she was married to Richard George and began her most valued journey, motherhood. Kathy and Richard welcomed two girls into their lives, Lacee in 1980 and Anne in 1982. In 1990 she met her stepdaughter Teresa, who was also loved fiercely by Kathy. She devoted her life to her family and everything she did was for them. She lived a life of self-sacrifice and weathered unimaginable storms, always remaining true to her deep love of her family.
While raising three beautiful, yet spirited daughters and supporting a strong, yet challenging husband she continued to be the glue that held it all together. Her kindness, strength and love were the anchor for all those around her. Kathy faced many obstacles in her life that left her cautious of others at times. However, if you were lucky enough to earn her trust, she loved you with a force that made even the rainy days bright. One of Kathy’s favorite pastimes was soaking up sun while playing in the dirt and creating a beautiful garden wherever she was. In 2003 she packed a U-Haul full of plants and moved to Seattle with her adult daughters, where she was not only their mother but their best friend. While in Seattle she worked in a Garden Center and enjoyed her second favorite pastime, going to the Casino. She and her daughters would travel together across Washington to eat delicious pasta and gamble until dawn, always led by Kathy.
Some of her daughters’ favorite memories are of begging her to leave after they had lost all their money and she was still winning. Over the years Kathy also loved to attend concerts and saw most of her favorite bands, like Van Morrison, Paul McCartney, and Creedence Clearwater Revival. In 2006 she moved back to Helena with her husband Richard and lived the rest of her life with her best friend and partner.
Together Kathy and Richard welcomed two son-in-laws, John Hancock and Derek Gengenbacher, and six beautiful grandchildren. Kathy hated sports and had no problem letting her sports loving son-in-law Derek know it. She loved playing poker with her family and had a terrible poker face, smiling from ear to ear when she had a hand and yelling at her husband when he took a pot from her. Through her years of marriage to Richard they faced their challenges, yet always found each other. In her final days, her husband cared for her with love and devotion which is the result of nothing less than true love. She spent her final days living in East Helena, loving her children, and doting on her grandchildren. Kathy died at home in her bed surrounded by loved ones.
Kathy is preceded in death by her parents Arthur and Ann Nettleton, brother Gary Nettleton, and brother-in-law Dan Trussel. She is survived by her husband Richard George, brother Larry Nettleton, beloved sister Billie Trussel, daughter Teresa Hancock and husband John, daughter Lacee Gengenbacher and husband Derek, daughter Anne George, and six grandchildren Payton, Nathan, Lila, Adeline, Lincoln, and Deklan.
Kathy’s love was like the sunlight, warm and necessary for life. She leaves a legacy full of strength, love, and the lesson that the most important thing in life is family. She will forever be tending the high garden in the sky! As Kathy would say, Have a Happy!
A Memorial Service is scheduled for 1:00 p.m., Friday, June 18, 2021 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home with a reception to follow the service in the Social Hall of the Funeral Home. 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 Kathy.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Friday June 18, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
After the service
Friday June 18, 2021
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the reception
Friday June 18, 2021
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
1900 Williams Ave.
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Friday June 18, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
After the service
Friday June 18, 2021
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the reception
Friday June 18, 2021
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
1900 Williams Ave.
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
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Audrey Blomquist Kelly says
Ritchie and Family: My thoughts and prayer are with you during this sad time. Kathy was a wonderful lady and she alway was kind and thoughtful to me. I have may fond memories of great family times with you. Sending hugs to all.
Sally George Russell and Jim Wilcox says
Sorry for your loss. Kathy was a wonderful lady. Always enjoyed our visits. At least she is at peace now, and all of you have wonderful memories to treasure.
Richie and girls please know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you now and in the days ahead. God Bless!
Tiffany Sturdevant says
So beautifully written and really captures who she was!
I have so many memories of your mom Lacee and was lucky to have known her! My love is with you Lacee, Anne and Richie
Cathy Doyon says
My heart goes out to each of you in your time of sadness.
Kathy sounded like a very loving woman with a big beautiful heart.
May her memories bring you peace and comfort you on your days of sadness. XOXO 😘
A friend of Teresa and John, Cathy Doyon
Sandi Coyle-Benson says
Richie & Family
I am so sorry to read this news. Kathy was a great person and I so enjoyed our conversations. May she be at peace and may comfort surround.
Carol stephens says
So sorry for you all prayers for your whole family to ease your sadness love you richie an family Carol stephens
Sharon Heigh says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sharon Baker Heigh and Family
Kathy Strausbaugh says
I was blessed to be welcomed into this family as a young girl. Always remember her and your dad laughing and joking around but also being very affectionate towards you girls. I found this vastly different from most parents but something I emulate with my children and their friends❤️ What a wonderful momma that raised such a loving daughter and now to be your angel❤️ Love you Lacee
DEAN RETZ says
Rich – so sorry to hear about Cathy! I was stunned when I read that in the paper! Please take care of your girls and I hope to see you soon. GOD BLESS.
Rudy Tomich says
My prayers and thoughts to the family in the loss of Kathy. I had the privilege of working with Kathy. She was a hard worker and a good person to be around. May God bless.
Carl and Janis Ortega says
Richard, Larry, Billie and family, we are so very sorry to hear that our beautiful cousin Kathleen has passed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Peace and blessings to you all.