A beautiful, blue-eyed woman died today. This woman lived life as life should be lived. She fell in love with a handsome sailor during W.W.II. They danced on their first date at the Columbia Gardens in Butte, Montana. They never left each other after that dance. Catherine and Joe married in 1946 and they created two very remarkable children!
Joe’s beloved “Katie” has now left earth and is on her way to her sweetheart. Catherine and Joe have both said good-bye now to their son, Dan Richards of Meridian, Idaho, their son-in-law, Dr. Chris Landon and their daughter, Michele Landon of Ojai. Catherine whispers kisses to her grandchildren, Chuck, Amy Lee and Jessica Kate and to her great-grandchildren Austen and Rhyanna.
Catherine was a delight. She had so many lives. She was a wife, a mother, a best friend, a grandma and a professional. She was a matriarch for her family, a democrat and an activist. She gave her heart to her nieces and nephews. She served big meals on the holidays. She organized garage parties in the 50s and 60s. She volunteered for many organizations. Catherine was a proud Irish-woman, and she married a proud Scotsman. Those two did good deeds on this planet for 75 years!!
For people who read this obituary, please smile now and know that this woman, Katie McGrath-Richards, lived a charmed, successful and honorable life. Her son, daughter, and son-in-law will speak to her and our dad daily until we die. Their grandchildren and great-grandchildren will back us up!! Catherine sends her good-byes to Alice and Jack Buckley, Pauline Bogatz, Alice Tyler, Joye and Dutch, Donna and Bobbie, Dolores, Pearl and Walt, Tena and Harlan, the Wilcox Gang, her brothers Bob, Mickey and Pat and good ol’ Addison Bragg and Paul Armstrong. A special “I love you” to sister-in-laws, Lu and Jonan. Catherine and Joe will watch over Colleen - we all know that!