Kathleen “K.B.” Curran gently entered the mystery of death on April 14, 2013. She was born March 28, 1918, in Detroit, Mich., and eloped with Dad, Don Michael Curran, when she was a senior at Ohio State. K.B. was the only female student in her ceramic engineering program, an indication of the sharp mind and independent spirit evident throughout her life. She raised six children: Michael, Kathleen, Mary, Elizabeth, Brian and Anne. She is survived by her children, 12 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
K.B. discovered her love for Montana when she and Mike built a summer home at Circle 8 Ranch out of Choteau while living in Tulsa, Okla. Her happiest childhood memories were of summer camp, and Circle 8 renewed her delight in nature and wide-open spaces. It was K.B.’s “heart-place.” In 1958, K.B. and Mike bought the Dearborn Ranch in Wolf Creek. K.B. was overjoyed to leave the city life of Tulsa behind and expose her children to the challenges and joys of ranch life.
K.B.’s favorite times were spent taking walks with her Airedales, wandering down toward the Dearborn, often competing with bears for chokecherries. What K.B. found walking the hills is what others found in church. She had a wonderful vegetable garden and spent hours canning, freezing and pickling just about anything. She had an artist’s eye. Her needlework adorns her children’s walls and sofas; beautiful cable-knit afghans keep us warm in winter.
K.B. was a lifelong learner. She could articulate a position on any subject on a scholarly, intellectual level or share her opinions and insights as a best friend and confidant. She attended courses in Great Falls and Carroll College in her later years. She always said, “No one can ever take your education away from you.” Her dedication to fostering education will live on through the lives of the many students she generously supported through tuition and scholarships.
Philosophies K.B. lived by:
– Long walks in nature are good for the body and spirit.
– A chocolate-chip cookie a day may indeed be life’s best medicine.
– It doesn’t matter what religion you believe in if it makes you a better person.
– Books and puzzles bring joy.
– Don’t worry about the past or future; live today, whatever it brings.
– Always send loved ones home with leftovers after sharing a meal.
The family gives special thanks to the loving caregivers at Touchmark and Amanda Sather of Home Sweet Home. They helped make K.B.’s final journey one of peace and contentment. You are amazing!
At K.B.’s request, there will be no formal memorial service. The family will gather at Circle 8 Ranch in early summer to celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers, K.B. would have liked well-wishers to spend their time and money helping others. A favorite quote of K.B.’s was Thorton Wilder’s, “Money is like manure, it’s not worth a thing unless it’s spread around encouraging young things to grow.” She supported “young things” through Tamarack Grief Resource Center, 516 S. Orange St., Missoula, MT, 59801; and Beach Cities Young Life, 10981 San Diego Mission Road, Suite 220, San Diego, CA. 92108. Donations may be made to these charities or a charity of the donor’s choice. Please visit bekow to offer the family condolences or to share a memory of K.B.
K.B. walked her final journey with graciousness and gratitude; we were deeply blessed.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Sally Hinderager says
K.B. was a unique lady. My mind, my heart, and my life were enriched by knowing her.
Elaine Power says
Ann & Family,
Please know of my sympathy to you and your family on the loss of your mother. Though I did not know her losing a mother, no matter what age, is sad. I know she had a very fulfilling life
and she will be missed by many. Savor your memories.
Kelly says
KB must have been a wonderful person to have raised a daughter like you, Ann. Thank you for sharing so many joyful stories about your mom and her strength! I never met her, but I still miss her!
Julia Demaree says
KB was an amazing women- Sending Love to Ed and Mary, Shelly and Tina from the Demaree family.
Pamela Seidlitz says
Where does one begin to describe KB, One day while doing KB’s hair my husband called, one of those calls, she could tell from my expression something was up, she took my hand and said”Don’t worry Dear they are all the same, the only reason God made them look different was so we could tell which one is ours”. There was the time, KB and Mike heard the story of a young Mother with cancer and she wanted to leave town and go for a second opinion, it was right before Christmas, they came down in a snow storm to bring a check, taking care of the entire trip. Neither one of them wanting to except the Thanks they later received. I will never forget her spirit, her wisdom, and her many saying,, Like-If I can’t read it or eat it, I do not want to dust it…I always loved to visit with her, it’s like she never was old, her body my have slowed, (and she always wished for thick curly hair) she was Forever young in her attitude…I am blessed to have been her Barber..One more thing, she came in one day in the early 90’s, upset as Great Falls had no White Gloves, that she needed for one of her Grandson’s wedding, as luck would have I was going to San Francisco, she was thrilled we found a pair…An Amazing Women!!!
Spring says
An amazing woman, connecting with all her children as unique and different as each one was, and being the glue for their similarities. Sweet spirit, the finale of a wonderful, thoughtful, forgiving, kind and realistic generation. To her children, hope you will all find her essence in your hearts, as the very big yet simple gift that you all have in common. Bet her dogs are really happy right now!!
Lynne Benson Jermunson says
Dear Curran Family Members,
I have fond memories of your mother and you. She raised her children to set goals, live your lives as desired but live it with compassion and conviction. I remember her talking with us about that subject when we were seniors in high school. And, now, some of us are in our ‘senior’ years, remembering that important message.
Your gracious mother was one of a kind; ‘true grit, perhaps. The legacy she left with you, without doubt, will live on in your family for years to come. Mothers’ love is so very special and will live a gap in your lives that she would wish you to fill with good works on behalf of your family members and others. It was a pleasure to accepted into her world for such a short time. My regret is that it wasn’t longer.
Please accept our condolences,
Dr. Dick Kauk, DVM and Lynne Benson Jermunson
Peter and Judy Burggraff says
We have many fond memories of your mother. One day I stopped over to visit when she was busy sewing stuffed teddy bears to send to her daughters at Annie Wright in Olympia. The girls wanted them for a fund raiser. She wanted to keep close to her daughters and had their laundry sent home to the ranch so she could launder it. Truly an amazing woman. Mike and K.B. were good neighbors and excellent stewards of the land. She will always be held with high regard in our memory.
Patsy O'Connell says
Our prayers for peace in your hearts. We had the pleasure of knowing your mom and dad at the Craig store. She was our “Spicy Lady”, and we did appreciate her and your dad for supporting us. Pat & Patsy O’Connell
Anne says
Today I made my phone, which is smarter then me, stop the reminder to call mom on Saturdays and remind her Larence Welk was on. Sundays are full of hard and goodness because Mama and I have done brunch for years. I miss her and am so thankful to Cliff and Ona who brought her the goodies she loved…. To Von for just remembering her…. To Marilynn who was a Wednesday constant….. To the Hair dressers at the Waterford who loved her humor and impatience. To all those who did not just remember her generosity but remembered the little woman who cared a lot despite how she might respond….
To so many Waterford staff that appreciated her dry humor and resilience….to my sister Mary who spent an inordinate amount of time making sure my mother was adequately taken care of. My brother Mike watched over as well. Mom was not the best at acknowledging those who cared for her and loved her ….at least not directly. BUT she did…… She was both grateful and and aware…..even if words did not come out to acknowledge. I miss her….. she is not yet passed over for me…..what I do know is she will look after, even now, those who honestly loved her.