Kathryn Neils Brinton

Kathryn Neils Brinton passed away peacefully, surrounded by her children on Aug. 29. She went to be with the Lord who she loved and served her entire life.

Kate and twin brother Kenneth were born in Libby on March 13, 1923, to George and Ruth Neils and lived in Libby until she went away to college. She grew up with five brothers and enjoyed school, ice skating, tennis and was in a school play every year until she graduated from Libby High School.

Kate went on to college in Missoula. and later Berkeley, California, where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in art.

After college, she returned to Libby and married Richard Brinton on March 1, 1947 and went on to have six children, three boys and three girls.

Kate was a very accomplished pianist and organist and one of her best memories was playing the pipe organ at the St. Johns Lutheran Church in Libby.

The family of eight moved to the 69 Ranch in Eureka in 1962 and started their dream of ranching and farming.

Kate loved landscaping, flowers and gardening and had two large gardens and several flower beds.

They lived on the ranch until 1981 when they moved to a smaller ranch on Highway 37 where she lived until her death.

She was preceded in death by her son Paul (Jake), husband Richard and son Geoffrey (Jeff).

She is survived by her four children. Barb Price, Bob Brinton and wife Penny of Kalispell, Marti Bushfield and husband Mike, and Jeanne Montoya of Eureka.

Kate had many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and loved them dearly.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Sept. 16, at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Eureka.

Meal and time of sharing memories of Kate after the service.