Katherine Elizabeth Gibbons was born in Butte, Montana on March 5, 1939, delivered by Dr. McGill, the first woman doctor in Butte.   Her parents were Dr. Robert G. and Cynthia Kroeze.   She was the second of three children and grew up at the historic family home known as “Lover’s Roost”, next to Saint James Community Hospital in Butte.   She loves cats, gardening, music, traveling and the family cabin at Echo Lake.

    Kathy graduated from 8th grade at Webster-Garfield in 1953 and Butte High School in 1957.   After receiving her Bachelor of Science degree from Western Montana University, Billings Montana, she taught 30 years in Billings, Butte and Kalispell.

    She raised her daughter, Cynthia and maintained close ties to her parents throughout her life.   Cyndy remembers her mother best for her love of good food, beautiful plants, a spotlessly clean house and for her endless love and support.

    She volunteered for Kalispell, MT Humane Society, The Salvation Army, Spokane Hospice, Spokane AIDS Network, and her church.

    She joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in 1974, fulfilling many calling including Relief Society President.

    Among her favorite quotes, one she coined herself, “Laughter is the lubricant for the soul” and “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift:   that’s why they call it the present,” by Eleanor Roosevelt.