Catherine Helen Kins

Catherine Helen Kins, 78, passed away in Butte on Saturday, April 28. Catherine was born in Helena on Aug. 8, 1939 to Albert and May Barney. She grew up in many rural mining areas in Montana, including Jardin, York and the Missouri Dredges, settling in Libby in 1949.

Catherine attended Libby Senior High School and graduated in 1957. She married Kay Kenneth Kins on Sept. 14, 1958. The couple had three children: Kristina, Kimberly and Kenneth.

Until her youngest entered kindergarten, Catherine was a homemaker. She became the library aide at Libby Senior High School in the 1970s and worked there until her retirement.

Fulfilling their dream, Kay and Catherine moved to their cabin on the Yaak River shortly after they retired. They lived there for over 20 years, enjoying the natural beauty of the Kootenai National Forest in northwestern Montana. Their place was a favorite getaway for family and friends.

After 56 years of marriage, Kay passed away, and Catherine moved to Butte to be near her daughters. Catherine spent her last few years living in Beehive Homes in the company of many wonderful people.

Her children fondly remember her for her wonderful dinners and the family eating together at the dinner table nearly every night. They remember her relentless effort to prepare for family camping trips, in which some of her children’s fondest memories were made.

Catherine enjoyed games such as Scrabble and Yahtzee. She treasured books and inspired her children and grandchildren to read. Catherine loved movies and watching television, collecting hundreds of VHS tapes and DVDs. She created beautiful porcelain dolls, ceramics and needlepoint projects. Catherine loved flowers and her roses and gladiolus were amazing.

Catherine is survived by her children, Kristina (Mike) Mengon and Kimberly (Todd Talbott) Dixon of Butte, and Kenneth (Paula Hendrickson) Kins of Winnemucca, Nevada; grandchildren, Krystin (Kelly) Lee, Kayla (Josh) Stearns and Michael Dixon of Butte, Kody (Julie) Kins of Battle Mountain, Nevada, Kourtney Kins of Reno, Nevada, and Reid (Heidi) Schmadeka of Lake Forest Park, Washington; sisters Bonnie (Don) Westfall of Libband Marje (Paul) Robinson of Osburn, Idaho; brothers and sisters-in-law Doug Mellem of Libby, Leo and Shirley Reyes of Silverton, Idaho, and Yvonne Kins of Eugene, Oregon; and 14 precious great-grandchildren.

Catherine is preceded in death by her husband, Kay; parents Albert and May; sister Janie Mellem; niece Tiffany Robinson Myers; and nephew Vittorio Fatemi.

A memorial service will be held in Catherine’s honor this summer in Libby. Memorials can be made to Compassus Hospice of Butte, your local public library or donor’s choice.

Axelson Alternative Cremation is privileged to serve Catherine’s family.