CATHARINE A. “KAY” MORGAN
Catharine A. “Kay” Morgan was born December 10, 1926 to Marvin C. and Catharine Rudd Riley and died peacefully on the morning of January 23, 2012.
Kay was born and raised in Spokane WA and after graduation from high school she attended the University of Montana in Missoula and was a proud member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority where she made many lifelong friends. While attending the U of M she met and married Robert S. “Bob” Morgan. Bob’s career with the U.S. Forest Service took the family to a variety Ranger Stations and towns in Montana and Idaho. In 1963 the family moved to Helena where Bob then served as the Supervisor of the Helena National Forest for 12 years. Bob preceded Kay in death in 1988.
Kay worked for many years at the old Hawkins Lindstrom Clinic on Fuller Avenue in Helena. When not working and enjoying her family she was an avid Bridge player and would play whenever the opportunity was presented. After retiring from the clinic Kay enjoyed traveling and experienced many trips and cruises all over the world. Her fondest trips were shared with her sister and brother in-law Betty and Jack Wellman. Kay’s greatest joy was her family. During summers when Bob could not get away due to “fire season” it was common for Kay to load all the kids into the station wagon and hit the road to visit relatives or friends left behind in towns previously lived in. The adventures were plentiful. Later in life family gatherings of any sort were her joy
Kay lived in and enjoyed the Touchmark/Waterford Community in Helena for almost 10 years where she had many friends amongst the other residents and the caring staff. Kay’s last few months were spent at the Rocky Mountain Care Center where she was welcomed and received compassionate care.
Kay was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and her only sibling Betty Wellman “Beautiful Aunt Betty” of Spokane, WA who died just a few months ago.
Kay is survived by her children: Doug (Sandy) of Helena, Gail Barney (Dave) of Butte, Dick of Helena and Cathy McCall (Frank) of Helena. Additionally Kay leaves 9 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will begin receiving friends at 1:30 p.m. Friday, January 27th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home 3750 N. Montana Avenue with a memorial service celebrating Kay’s life to be held at 2:00 p.m. A reception will immediately follow in the social center of the funeral home. Placement of Kay’s cremated remains will be at St. Peter’s Episcopal Cathedral Columbarium Wall Niche at a later time. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to an organization of choice or to assist Helena’s most in need by contributing to either, The Angel Fund, P.O. Box 7436, Helena, MT 59604-7436 or the Pad for Paws Foundation, P.O. Box 287, Helena, MT 59624-0287.Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com
Don and Eva Driscoll says
Doug, Gail, Dick and Cathy,
Eva and I both are saddened to learn of your mother’s passing. A lot of water has gone under the bridge since we first met your mom and dad in Helena in 1963 following your transfer back to Region One with the Forest Service. As Forest Supervisor there, your dad was my boss. As one travels the highway of life, there are a handful of folks one meets who are definitely “special”, not only in terms of work relationships, but also as personal and lifelong friends. Although our own Forest Service journeys after leaving Helena in 1965 subsequently took us to Asheville, NC, Berkeley, CA and finally to Washington, DC, we never relinquished the ties that were first established with the Morgan family in 1963. Neither time nor distance diminishes the happy memories of those wonderful days in Helena. In September of 2000, Eva and I journeyed west to Missoula, MT to attend the 3rd National Forest Service Reunion. Following that event we drove to Helena where we had a wonderful visit with Kay. Bob was such an outstanding boss and your mother was always the gracious hostess. And I know that the four of you inherited great genes from your two wonderful parents. Best wishes to you and your families. Don and Eva Driscoll, Fairfax, VA
Helen Richter says
To the family of Kay Morgan,
I was sorry to learn that Kay passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time.
God Bless Helen Richter
Jennifer says
Our prayers are with your family!
Mark, Jen and Morgan Ockey
Joey (Wellman) and Jeff Kraft says
You are all in our thoughts during this time of mourning and remembrance. I have fond memories of Aunt Kay – a wonderful lady indeed. May the memories of your life with her bring you some smiles, some laughter, and much comfort during this time.
Julie (Stinchfield) DeMars says
Dick and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of “Mother Morgan” she was a beautiful person. She will be missed.
Warm Regards,
Julie
Julie Graham says
Dick – We are so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our prayers.
Julie and Lee Graham
Kate Neiman says
My Dearest Dick ~
My thoughts, love and prayers are with you and your family today and always. I hope to see you in February.
Lois DeFord says
Dick, my sincerest sympathy to you. Your mother’s smile is always remembered.
Nuria M. Day says
My deepest condolences to all of Mrs. Morgan’s relatives, but most especially to my dear friend Dick, who was the best son any mother could possibly want. May the wonderful memories of shared laughter and great times together heal the pain of her departure. God bless.
Rachel Young says
Doug, Sandy and family,
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. You’ll be in my thoughts.
Steve & Rob says
Dick: We are so sorry for you loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.