Kathlene (Kathy) Bovee, 60, beloved wife, caring mother and grandmother, and friend to all; passed way on August 25, 2011 at St. Peter’s Hospital.
She was born on November 10, 1950 to Dean and Jerrie Baker of Lewistown, MT and graduated high school in Stanford, MT, Class of 1969. Kathy had two children, Jim and Jeanne.
They moved to the Helena area where she met Greg Bovee. Greg and Kathy’s friendship grew into a deep love for each other and they were married on February 19, 1987. Together they established a loving home in Jefferson City where friends and family were always welcomed and often gathered. Kathy enjoyed vacationing in Hawaii and tropical way of life; reading; dates with her husband, dinner and a movie, spoiling her grandkids, and talking to anyone she just met.
For more than 20 years Kathy co-owned and helped managed Bovee Food Services and especially enjoyed working during the State Legislation sessions at the State Capital Building. She often spoke about the legislators and the great folks she met from all over the State of Montana. Kathy was a life member of Ducks Unlimited and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. One of the greatest achievements in her life was the foundation and establishment of the Clancy Library and she talked fondly of the day that they put the sign up, September 11, 2001. She also volunteered for many years on the Jefferson County Library Board.
Kathy is survived by her loving husband Greg; father and mother Dean and Jerri Baker; children Jim (Cora) Forsman of Fairbanks, AK, and Jeanne (Shawn) Miller of Ramsey, MT; sisters, Char (OJ) Cartwright of Baltimore, MD and Michelle (Daryl) Johnson of Livingston, MT; brother, Mike (Leslie) Baker of CA; grandkids Kassidy, Rebecca, Darian, Hunter, Riley, Kody, Stacie, Colton, Chase, and Brynn; and in-laws Bob and Dorothy Bovee of East Helena, MT. She is preceded in death by her grandparents and sister Janie Krings.
Visitation will begin at noon Monday, August 29th with the family to receive friends at 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. A memorial service in celebration of Kathy’s life will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, August 30th at East Helena United Methodist Church, 50 Prickly Pear Avenue N. in East Helena. Memorials in Kathy’s name are suggested to the East Helena United Methodist Church P.O. Box 850; East Helena, Montana 59635 or to an organization or charity of the donor’s choice. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com.
Kathy’s great devotion to the Lord has given family and friends peace during this difficult time. ALOHA
Alysa Semans (Eaton) says
Kathy was a great lady and was always there to listen to you for any problem you had. She encouraged me to trust in the Lord and things will be alright. Kathy will be greatly missed. God bless you, Kathy. I know you are sitting at Jesus’feet just soaking in all the knowledge He is giving you.
Angie Lang says
I am so sorry to hear of Kathy’s passing. I always enjoyed chatting with her at the Capitol cafeteria. She was such a “sunny” person and always cheerful. The world needs more people like that. She will be missed.
Bill Semmens says
I am so sorry for your loss, you are all in my prayers
Bill Semmens
Brandie Moyer says
So sad to hear of her passing. Such a sweet angel sent down here. She had the biggest smile on her face all the time, She warmed my heart every time i seen her at the capitol with my mom Della Pedersen. Her voice could be heard from down the hall at the cafeteria. I will never forget her voice when she would say “Hey sweet pea” and give me the biggest hug! May your wings spread far and you fly high with the angels above. Such a sweet loving person left us too early!
Brett & Teresa Nance & Family says
We are going to miss you Kathy! Your kindess and friendship will never be forgotton.
Carol Hanel says
My heart goes out to you for your loss. Kathy was just an exceptional woman and you complimented each other so well. You couldn’t help but see the love in her eyes when she looked at you. She touched so many lives in such a positive way. I will miss her terribly ~ God Bless ~ Carol
Casey and Kathleen Ballard says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God comfort you in this sad time.
Charlotte & Oj Cartwright says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Some of my favorite memories are of the group of Baker kids on a visit to Muno & Grandfathers in Arizona. Many happy hours spent together in LA, the time in Kingman, AZ, and during the trip back to Los Angeles. Love you!
Chris Wethern says
I worked with Kathy on starting the Clancy Library. What everyone else has said about her in other settings was true, there, too–she was always positive and cheerful. She also was an amazing get-it-done leader! We will all miss her tremendously. Her family has my deepest sympathy on this too-early loss.
Della Pedersen says
I’m so sorry for your loss. Kathy was a wonderful lady. I just see her garage saling a few weeks ago, & of course she gave me a hug and kiss like she always did. She will be greatly missed by me, she was such a special person so me. Love Della
Diane and Ray Eby says
Ray and I are so sorry for your loss. Kathy was a beautiful person and was able put a smile on anyones face. Her hugs and kisses meant alot to us. She always had a kind word to say whenever we ran into her. She will be greatly missed by all that she came into contact with. Hugs and kisses to all of you.
Ginger & Joe Weiss says
We are so very sorry for your loss. Kathy truly was one of the sweetest and kindest people I’ve ever met. She always had a kind word and compliment for everyone. I’m so glad that we got to spend some time together on July 4th.
Love & Prayers, Ginger & Joe Weiss
Heidi Mann says
This news saddens me so very much. I was out of town when this happened. I can only imagine how you and your family must be feeling by this terrible loss.
I enjoyed seeing Kathy at MDTs cafe very much. She was always so friendly and willing to talk. I felt a connection with her and her love for Hawaii.
Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
~Heidi
Jane-Sue Huff says
Kathy was one of a kind. From the moment I met her she never forgot my name and always had time to visit. For her folks, I lost a daughter, too, and it’s a hard thing to deal with – losing a child first. They’re supposed to wait until after we’re gone. You’ll be happy again but that can take time. Kathy, we love you and are pulling for you. Love and sympathy to you all. Jane
Janet Gilbertson says
I am sending prayers and love your direction. Kathy was one of the sweetest people I have ever met.
May you find peace in her memories and your faith.
Janet
Janet Thornburg says
I moved away from Helena just about a year ago, but never forgot her kindness and ability to make you feel good about yourself and life in general. She was one of the good ones. My condolences to the family.
Jay Andrew says
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. I will always remember the smile, laughter and hugs I got from your lovely Kathy. Keep smiling… I believe that is what she would always want….
Jeanne, Shawn, Kassidy, Rebecca, Darian, and Riley Miller says
My mom was a wonderful Mom and Gramie! She loved her son-in-law Shawn, and her grandkids Kassidy, Rebecca, Darian and Riley. We had alot of fun times and good and bad and I got to have the best talk with her a few weeks ago. We had forgiveness and a long talk about God and we made peace with Jesus together! She loved Willie her dog and her cat Nibs. She loved to read and garage sales! We love you Mom and Gramie and we will see you again some day in Heaven!
Jeff and Shawna Deadmond says
We are so sorry to learn of Kathy’s passing. We only had the privilege of meeting her a few times and she was very gracious. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jon Moe says
A sad day for the Capitol complex…Kathy will be missed. She has been a bright spot in the day for many years with her glorious smile and cheerful greetings. I will never forget Kathy for the humor she brought to my days in the Capitol.
Kovich's says
We are lifting you in thought and prayer. May sweet and wonderful memories carry you through as you learn to live without you beloved Kathy. Bless her passing.
Kristen Summers says
Jeanne,Jim and Greg, We are so sorry, Kathy will be missed and is looking down on everyone smiling, always watching her grandkids grow. you all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Lesli Allen says
Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. Kathy was a sweet little lady with a great big smile.
Marilyn Craft says
I am so sorry for your loss. Kathy had a beautiful smile and a lovely personality.
Michele says
I am so sorry to hear of Kathy’s passing! She was a wonderful woman who always took time to talk to the employees and family at the Mitchell Building cafeteria. She was a very kind person and will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.
Pat Dietrich says
I am sorry about your loss. My prayers are with you and Kathy’s family.
Pat Goodwin says
I was surprised and stunned to read about Kathy’s death. I am glad Barbara and I had the opportunity to meet Kathy and we are certainly sorry our next meeting will be in a different realm. Best wishes to you and the family.
Randy Morris says
My condolences to the family on the death of such a great lady. I looked forward to our daily visits in the Mitchell Building. The joy, love, and positive outlook she exhibited were welcoming on some of the grayest days. It’s been a tough couple of months for BFS but I know she wouldn’t want any sorrow to ruin the celebration of her life. Her grandchildren meant everything to her and I hope they can continue with her loving and positive spirit. To Stacie and Hunter, your notes of thanks for the popsicles are even more precious.
Randy Routzahn says
I am sorry about Kathy. My prayers are with your family during the most dificult time ahead.
Rhonda Strainer says
Dear Greg & Family,
I was saddened to hear of Kathy’s passing. I’m praying for you and hope that all the wonderful memories you hold so close to your heart will help sustain you in the days ahead.
Rhonda Strainer
Sandi (Kolar) Smith says
I am so sad today to learn of the passing of my dear friend Kathy. We grew up together, and I was best friends with her and Janie. In fact, I think that’s me giving her a kiss on the cheek at her wedding to Jim. I still have the dress! Thankful, my husband and I got to go to dinner with Kathy a year or two ago and had a chance to catch up. It was so fun — just like we had never been apart. She was a sweet, sweet lady. Rest in peace, dear Kathy. Say hi to Janie for me.
Sandi Coyle Benson says
I am totally shocked at seeing this. Kathy was a wonderful person who cared for everyone and always had a smile. We enjoyed many conversations over the years. My thoughts and prayers are with you at time. May the days ahead bring you peace and understanding. “God Bless”
Sandie Stiffler says
I am so sorry for your loss. Kathy had such a bright and sunny smile for everyone. I would always look for her to take my parking spot when I left work. She always waved and had a huge smile.
Teresa Enger says
My heart goes out to your family. Kathy was a beautiful and friendly woman. I loved and looked forward to chatting with Kathy daily in the cafteria.
Todd and Diane Lorenzen says
We are saddened to hear of Kathy’s passing. She was such a bright and kind person, she will be greatly missed.
Todd and Diane
Tom and Robin Hanel says
Kathy was a person who spoke from her heart and treated everyone with “love and kindness”, she will be deeply missed. Robin and I are sincerely sorry for you and both families, our thoughts and prayers are with you everyday. A true blessing that she had many good years with you, we know you loved her dearly.
God bless,
Your Cousin, Tom Hanel
Billings, MT
Veronica Bovee-Anderson says
Please accept my condolences for your loss; Kathy was a great lady. I pray that you have strength and peace in this moment of grieving.
Vickie Rauser says
My condolences to all of you. I always enjoyed visiting with Kathy in the Capitol cafeteria. Her sunny smile and sincere interest in the people she served made many an otherwise ‘just okay’ day much, much better.