Catherine Emmons Obituary

Affectionately known as "Mrs. E" to nearly everyone who knew her, "Aunt Cath" to her beloved nieces and nephews, and "Grammy" or "Grams" to her family, Catherine Ann Larsen Emmons was born in Cut Bank, MT, in 1945. She passed peacefully on July 30, 2025, just days shy of her and Bob's 56th wedding anniversary and only eight months after his passing. She was surrounded by people who loved her, held snugly in the arms of her girls.

Cathy grew up in Shelby with her parents, Jim and Laura Larsen, her big brother Jim, and older sister Marky. As her brother liked to joke, her arrival cost him his room until the family moved to Shelby. Family was always at the center of Cathy's life. From an early age, she delighted in spending time with her nieces and nephews - serving her signature "sliced" chocolate ice cream, playing with oversized stuffed animals, and leading sledding adventures that lasted for hours. Her love of travel began with road trips between Helena and Shelby and visits to family in Bemidji. Cathy was a collector of popup books and salt and pepper shakers, known for her love of ketchup (on everything!), and her stunningly red first car.

She pursued her education at Whitworth University and Western Montana College, earning a bachelor's degree in education with a minor in French. Her passion for kids and learning led her to her first teaching job in Hysham, where she met the "handsome science teacher" who stole her heart. Bob and Cathy married on August 3, 1969, and together spent decades building a legacy of learning at Hysham High School. Mrs. E. spent countless hours in the gym coaching some of the first girls' basketball teams in Hysham and her cheerleaders were a source of absolute joy. Eventually, when her own girls entered high school and an assistant volleyball coach was needed, she decided it was time to learn a new sport and stepped up to take the job. When she wasn't coaching, she could be found on the sidelines keeping book for basketball games and was a permanent fixture at the 4C tournament for years as the official bookkeeper. She logged miles on the sideline of the football field keeping stats that no one questioned. While teaching and coaching, Mrs. E. had the rare honor of teaching four generations of students from some families, something she cherished deeply. Her extensive love of Montana History led her on summer tours with teacher groups following the trails of early explorers, camping trips with her family that included fishing and visiting every ghost town listed in Montana, and impromptu lessons on any subject that piqued her interest.

Cathy was simply a great mom; she and Bob raised three girls together: Heather, Kimber, and Hilaree, and if you asked any of them, they'd tell you that they really did have the best childhood. Mom was always up for an adventure: camping trips (adamantly refusing to leave the camper until the fire was going and the sun was up), road trips that were planned around trying a new restaurant, helping Bob work on his old cars which included pulling him around town to jump start whatever vehicle it happened to be, simply staying at home working in the yard tending to her roses, marigolds, and peonies, or watching her Steelers play!

Cathy's favorite name was Grammy. She was made to be a grandma and found the time to really know each of her grandchildren. She was so proud of all of them and loved sharing stories of their accomplishments. Having three of her grandchildren raised under her roof for a while meant so much to both her and Poppa. She was "grandkid famous" for her milk-toast breakfasts, fried spam sandwiches, and homemade raspberry rhubarb jam. Camping trips with Faith, Chance, and Chi were a favorite summer activity, and Grams spent hours sitting poolside with them until they were old enough to go on their own. Kenna, Tehya, and Kimi won Grammy's heart quickly as she spent countless hours reading stories and then making up their own! Cale had Grammy's heart from the get-go as she was there when he joined the family; their endless conversation and banter is well known. Mark's quiet presence was a balm for her soul during this last year as well. When Kensi, Caty, and Karlee joined the family, she was overjoyed. Over the last few months, Kensi and Grams were able to spend most of their time together and their relationship grew deeper daily. When Grammy became Great-Grammy, her heart grew tenfold. Five little ones are lucky to have her; she had a special connection with Madelon as she spent many hours with Grammy while she and Poppa lived in Butte.

Preceding her in death was her husband of 56 years, Bob, her parents, Jim and Laura Larsen, her brother Jim, sister Marky, an infant son, an infant daughter, her granddaughter Kenna, grandson Cale, and granddaughter Catherine "Caty."

Learning to live life without her are her daughters Heather (Jason) Lovshin, Kimber (Brett) Emmons, Hilaree Ann (Joe) Emmons, and the daughter of her heart Anna Humphris; her grandchildren Faith (Stephan) Burns and their children Madelon and MacKenna, Chance Robert (Lisa) Keck, Malachi (Savannah) Emmons and their children Bennett and Briggs; Kensi and Karlee Emmons; Tehya Carolann (Tuff) White Mountain and their son, Walker; Kimimila (Nano), and Wawokiya "Mark" White Mountain, and Milo and Isabella Humphris. She is also remembered by the nieces and nephews who first inspired her love of teaching and by her extended family.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to The Springs at Butte where Bob and Cathy spent time living, as well as Dr. Sue Gallo and her team. The last few months of Cathy's life were spent under the care of two very special ladies that she called "my girls." Ronnie Mae Mack and Brandy Martinez, you chose to love our mom and our family cannot thank you enough for the care and commitment you selflessly gave every single day.

Cathy/Mrs. E./Grammy lived a life full of just that, LIFE. She will forever be remembered for many things: her love of the Pittsburgh Steelers, perfectly manicured nails, trails of Kleenex, pockets stuffed with tootsie rolls, hollering "Harve" when she couldn't get the right name, and most of all, her unending generosity.

Mom, although we know that you were met with the love of those that awaited you, your absence has left a void that cannot be filled. You are missed beyond measure and loved beyond words.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the family's foundation Heads Up Hearts Strong would be welcome.

A family to receive friends will be on Friday, August 15, from 4-7 pm at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Forsyth. A Funeral service will be at 11:00 am at the Hysham High School Gymnasium on Saturday, August 16. Catherine Ann Emmons