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.
Ina Haines says
To the families of both Mr. And Mrs. E.
We are most saddened to hear of Mrs. E’s passing. Please gather your memories together and know that both Mr and Mrs E were very much loved and will be missed.
May God hold you in His loving hand.
Sincerely, Ina Haines and family
Bill and Denice Hedged says
May God wrap his arms around you all to help guide you through the coming days. We miss your folks driving by every day!
John & Annette Gorton says
Our sincere condolences to the Emmons family. You are all in our prayers. May loving memories of your dear mother bring you comfort.
Pam and Dave says
We care!! There are no words …. hugs to all!!
Judy Hayworth says
Cathy and I were good friends at Western Montana College at Dillon. We saw each other occasionally when we lived at Colstrip. Mike and I visited Cathy and Bob at Hysham. She was always a bright light wherever she was! The last time I saw Cathy was at Mike’s memorial service in 2018. I so appreciated her coming to Sheridan for the service. What a wonderful friend!!
My love and prayers are with you.
Kirsten Belgarde-Crocker says
Heather, Kimber, Hillary and family, My sincere condolences to my other family. Your mom and dad were like a second set of parents to me. May loving memories of your dear mother bring you comfort. You are all in my prayers.
Laurie Janssen Claypool says
To all of Catherine’s families, sending my thoughts and prayers! I got to meet Catherine in Miles City at MCC during teacher convention-she was a very kind and thoughtful person! So sorry for your loss.
Denise Harvey says
I am so sorry for your loss. Such a wonderful lady! She loved deeply and was loved deeply and will now join her precious ones. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Terri Tritschler says
Mr. And Mrs. E touched so many lives; mine included. Their legacy will live on thru their children, their grandchildren and every student they ever taught. We will all continue to honor them and remember them until it is our time to cross into eternity. Much love and many prayers to their family and friends.
Kirsten Belgarde-Crocker says
Heather, Kimber, Hillary and families: My condolences go out to each and everyone of you. Your mom was like a second mom to me. She will be greatly missed but she will be happy now next to your dad. Love you all.
Pattee says
Kimber and Family, I am so sorry to hear of your mothers passing. May God hold you tight, today and always.
Diana Elwood says
My condolences to all the family for this huge loss, may God bless you and keep you.
Mike pettitt says
Mrs e was the person that got me trough high school se was me mentor and she would put you in in your place if you mest up just like bob did my hart goes out to your family I’m going too miss both of them we where all family in bushman lots of love for your losses mike
Sue Gallo says
Heather, Kimber, Hilaree and family,
Mrs. E wore many hats during my growing up years in Hysham. She was my Montana history teacher, art teacher in Jr. High and our cheerleading advisor. She spent many a night in the school lobby watching us work out the actions to a new cheer, putting the polish on a half time routine or helping us make posters for the gym and locker decorations. No one could operate an over head projector like her! In recent years she became one of my favorite patients. After they moved to Butte, she and I had a video appointment. She was a little irritated about moving to Butte and made no effort to hide it. I asked if she had been eating well and she told me that they had pasta with vodka sauce last night (complete with eye roll). She smiled and said “I told them I would just take my vodka on the side if it’s all the same to you!” Thanks to all of you for sharing her with many generations of Pirates, Bonneys and now Rebels. Hugs to you all.
Kimber Gebhardt says
I had the privilege of getting to know Cathy when I was assistant volleyball coach for Circle. It was always wonderful to visit with her when our teams played each other! Your mother was the best, and she will be missed by all. Hugs
Ralph Sutich says
To Kimber Heather And Hilary And Family I Was So Sad To Hear Of Your Mom’s Mrs. Es Passing Just 8 Months Ago Your Dad Mr E Passed Away I Came To Know Mr E And Mrs E When I Lived In Hysham They Were Great People Mr E Was In My Cum Christo Group He Was Very Active In Cum Christo I Was Sad Also To learn Of Mr Es Passing 8 Months Ago Last Time I Saw Mr E Before He Passed Away Was At Our Cum Christo Group In Forsyth Montana At Immaculate Conception Catholic Church My Prayers And Condolences Are With You Kimber Heather And Hilary That God Gives You Peace Strength And Comfort From Ralph Sutich In Forsyth Montana
Jackie Shaw Armstrong says
I remember Cathy and Bob well from basketball games in Hysham and Rosebud. Good people So sorry for your loss Hugs to all
Donna Hall says
Kimberly and family,
You’re in my thoughts and prayers. Your mom and dad brought joy and laughter when there was sadness and tears. They will FOREVER be remembered as beacons of light and strength!
Love Always!
#Heads Up Hearts Strong