Kathryn Janette (€Œkaty”) Davies

Kathryn ("Katy") Janette Davies passed away August 9, 2015 at St. John's Powers Cottage at age 76. On November 18, 1938, Katy was born in her home in Esmond, South Dakota, by the light of a kerosene lamp to Isabelle and George ("Sam") Salter. The Salter family moved to Illinois in 1941 and then moved back to Carthage, South Dakota where she attended school until her high school graduation in 1956. After graduation she attended St. John's School of Nursing in Huron, South Dakota, where she worked for a short period of time as a clinical instructor and nurse.

Katy met the love of her life, Jim Davies, in Huron, South Dakota and they were married on August 20, 1960 at Saint Martin's Catholic Church. They would have celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary this month. Katy and Jim moved to Billings, Montana in 1963 and have lived in Billings ever since (with the exception of 3 years in Phoenix, Arizona).

Katy most of all loved her time spent with family and friends. She loved to decorate and entertain, especially during the holidays. Katy had a great sense of humor and loved practical jokes and making people laugh. Some of the most cherished moments of Katy's life included travelling to many parts of the world with Jim, many trips back to her hometown of Carthage, South Dakota for family and school reunions, fifty plus years of camping in the Black Hills of South Dakota with special friends and family, enjoying the activities of her many grandchildren, and many get-togethers and trips with close neighbors including Christmas tree cutting and an annual trip to Chico Hot Springs where Katy performed her iconic "canon-ball" dive into the pool.

Katy was an avid volunteer. Her volunteer career started at the YWCA in the late 70's. She was a board member for several years (including one term as President). From there, she continued working on auction fundraisers. She was a 1996 YWCA Salute to Women Honoree. Katy was also very active with Eagle Mount and chaired Eagle Mount's auction committee for Eagle Fest for 9 years. Katy was honored with the Eagle Mount Volunteer of the Year award in 2012. Other volunteer efforts included the Boys and Girls Club and Golden Apple Award. She was also very active in St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church serving on the Parish Council, and as a Lector and Eucharistic Minister. Throughout her volunteer work she contributed many of her own craft items to the auctions in which she helped. Her volunteer work was always motivated by the people it benefitted and the people with whom she worked.

She is survived by her husband, Jim; four children, Mark (Jeanne) of Billings, MT; Christine (Lance) Hoskins of Billings, MT; Karen (Bill) Brace of Cincinnati, OH; and Patrick (Sarah) of Billings, MT; nine grandchildren, Michael Davies; Brandon, Justin, Mara and Shae Hoskins; Daniel, Thomas and Ryan Brace; and Karver Kinne; and two sisters, Judy Mishoulam and Carol Patterson. She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter, Mary, and grandson, Rhys Hoskins.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the YWCA, Eagle Mount, the Boys & Girls Club or a charity of your choice. A special thanks to the devoted caregivers at the Powers Cottage of St. John's Lutheran Ministries for their love, support and friendship throughout her stay.

Visitation will be held 1-5pm Wednesday. Vigil services will be 7pm Wednesday at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary. The Funeral Mass will be 10am Thursday at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church followed by the Rite of Committal at Yellowstone Valley Memorial Park.