Catherine Bell Bostic Brabec Rangitsch was born December 1, 1920 to Kenneth and Leone Bostic at Bridger, Montana. She was their only surviving child with three other children passing away in infancy. She went to Oregon with her parents to the logging communities around Coos Bay Oregon while at young age. They later returned to Bridger to continue working the homestead south of Bridger. She graduated from Bridger High School 1938. Catherine married Clem Brabec September 20, 1939 where they farmed at Belfry until moving to Billings. Catherine and Clem moved to Lovell, Laurel, Columbus and Powell while Clem worked at various farming implement dealers finally moved back to Billings in 1969. Catherine and Clem are survived by 4 children Jerry (Margaret); Ricky (Linda); Darrell (Glenda); Micki (Larry DiLulo). Nine grandchildren Cindy, Randy, Maureen, Michelle, Kenneth, Brandon, Nicole, Becky and Sabrina. Eighteen great grandchildren, special nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews that she so loved to visit with and share a hug. They celebrated 56 years of marriage and Clem passed away in March of 1995. Upon visiting friends at their family reunion from growing up in Bridger she re-met Raymond Rangitsch. After a short courtship the two married in Kemmerer, Wyoming 1999. They resided in Billings until Ray passed away of a stroke 2008. She lived at assisted living until moving to the Forsyth nursing home. Mom loved to bake pies for the large family dinners during the holidays. We would often times have 40 to 60 at the family dinners so she baked a lot of pies. She so enjoyed time spent with her sister in laws at the family gathering being an only child they were her extended family. Mom also loved having the children come visit, whether grand children or the nieces and nephews. Living close to Glen and Vi Brabec for a number of years she was especially close to Patty, Barbara, David, Dennis, and Mike. Mom’s other passion was hunting. She was a very good shot and being a practical meat hunter she didn’t hesitate to shoot even if they were in the bottom of a deep canyon. Not to worry that’s where us boys were at, driving them up the canyons anyway. She loved to watch the wildlife and would enjoy a drive in the country to just look at them, she always like to look for deer when visiting in Colstrip or watching the birds outside her window. Catherine was the last of the Bostic family who were early homesteaders of the Clark Fork Valley she leaves a legacy of a loving family. We will miss you, remember you, and love you always.
She was preceded in death by her parents Kenneth and Leone Bostic.
Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be at a later date.
Debbie Anderson says
Catherine will be missed at the Long Term Care Center. She was always fun to visit with. I work in the hospital and only got to visit with her occasionally, but I always enjoyed my visits with her; she was so much fun. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family at this difficult time.
Peggy Redman and Earl Mortensen says
Dear Darrell, Glenda, and Family,
Earl joins me in sending heartfelt condolences to you in the loss of your Mother. May you find comfort and strength in knowing others care, and are thinking of, and praying for you at this difficult time. We pray that you will find comfort and strength in the love and support from family and friends. May the many beautiful memories you have of her give you a sense of peace now and in the days ahead.
Connie Brown says
Darrell, Glenda and family,
May you find comfort in the passing of your mother and grandmother. I pray for peace and strength during this time of loss. May your memories bring you joy!
J Johnson says
Dear family of Catherine Brabec Rangitsch – I am sorry to hear of your loss. May the Creator give you peace through his sure promise to comfort us (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4). Cherish all your happy memories and I hope you are consoled by Bible promises (John 17:3).
Ed and Shirley Bukoskey says
Darrell, Glenda, and Family,
We were very sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Becky Stanton says
Darrell, Glenda and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I am so sorry for your loss. She raised a wonderful family for sure. Hugs for you all.
pat & george riedel says
Darrell and Family,
sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. from what is said up above she lead a full and wonderful life.
JOHN & BONNIE PRINCE says
Darrell and family, Sorry about your mother’s passing. She had some wonderful grandchildren. She can have a last big gathering at her memorial. Was so good to visit with Darrell last week. Had been such a long time since seeing him. Our prayers be with you all.