Cathryn “Cary” Zook, age 90, of Miles City passed away on Wednesday, January 9, 2013 at the Friendship Villa Care Center in Miles City.
“Cary” (Cathryn) (Sindelar) Zook was born in the rural Cohagen area March 27, 1922. Her parents were Charlie and Katie Sindelar (who came to the U.S. from upper Czechoslovakia).
Cary graduated from the CohagenHigh School in 1939. She married Herb Zook, in New York in June 1939. They had two children: daughter, Saundra, and son, Douglas. After three years in the eastern states, they returned to the Cohagen area.
Cary was the Postmaster in Cohagen for 33 years. She belonged to several local clubs and also State and Federal Postmaster organizations. On retiring in 1985 they moved to MilesCity. Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband Herb, three sisters Mikki Fiske, Viola Fluss, and Helen (Barnes) Jenrich, her brother, George Sindelar, and a granddaughter, Jacine Noelle Zook (daughter of Doug & Teri Zook).
She is survived by a daughter, Saundra Ferch, and her husband Tom of Bozeman and their children Kral Ferch and his wife Allison; Shann Ferch and his wife Jennifer; a son, Douglas Zook, and his wife Teri of Billings and their children Joshua Zook and Jaime Scherer and her husband Craig; her sister Tudi Jones of Miles City, and 10 great grandchildren.
After moving to Miles City, Cary worked for seven years for Colleen Schock at the New To You shop and also joined RSVP. Her hobbies were dancing, card playing, reading and cooking.
Dobrey Den, Kazdy!
Family will receive friends on Thursday, January 17, 2013 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cohagen Community Club, Range Riders Museum, or Miles City Senior Drop-In Center.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday January 17, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday January 17, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Share
John & Nikki says
Our sincere sympathies. A life well-lived.
Becky Hanson Stanton says
My heart is sadden with Cary’s passing but there are so many great memories of her. I remember staying overnight with Herb and Cary because of spring storms and playing cards with them. She was the hub of the Cohagen community and so much fun. I remember her in the Cohagen plays and the dances. Herb and her would glide over the floor. She will be missed so much. Sandy and Doug and families you all are in my thougths and prayers.
Muff Engdahl says
Sandy, Doug and families,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this great loss. I have many wonderful memories of Herb and Cary at Cohagen, coffee around the table, everyone welcome, memories cherished. Your memories are treasures of the heart that will always be there to help you through.
Barbara Pestka Forcier says
So sorry to hear about losing your mom! But now she’s in heaven with many, many of the great old timers from Cohagen having a great time, just maybe our parents are playing a game of cards! My prayers are with you!
Nick & Betty Clauson says
Doug & Sandy and families, we have great memories of Cary over the years. Unoficial mayor of Cohagen for several years, fun time in the Cohagen plays, card parties, to name a few. Sincerely, Nick & Betty
Julie Sindelar Groggel says
My heart is heavy with grief today as we say goodbye to a wonderful woman! Cary was my Great Aunt, sister to my late Grandfather George C. Sindelar. I last saw Cary in July of 2010 . She came to see my brothers & I at our family home in Miles City after the recent passing of both our parents. I have such fond memories of Aunt Cary. I always made a point to visit her on my many trips back to Miles City. She was a kind & giving person. Aunt Cary had a funny sense of humor, was a witty writer, a talented artsit, an incredible baker (loved her caramel rolls), & she loved her square dancing. As a true Sindelar, she always had a pot of coffee on the stove for visitors, of which she had many. My love & prayers go out to Sandy, Doug, Aunt Tudi & her many family members. May you find comfort in your cherished memories of a woman who lived her life to the fullest! A bright light shines down upon us today as another Angel receives her wings & enters Heaven. May peace & love go with you Dearest Aunt Cary. You’ve touched many hearts in your 90 years. Your presence here on earth will be missed, but never forgotten!
Respectfully, your great niece Julie Sindelar Groggel of ABQ, NM
Pat & Bob Corbin says
We are so saddened to hear about Cary. She was such a huge part of my life in Cohagen. She was alway open to all of us kids that rode the bus to school. If the roads were unpassable she was there for us. I have so many memories of the things her and my grandma did. The funny things that kept them young. What a lady. The good Lord brought home a true angle. Prayers to Doug and Sandy and their families.
Gerome and Rita Wemmer and family says
A sad heart at the passing of Cary. The first time I really knew her was when I was in the talent show at Cohagen and sang the song “Paloma Blanca” She just loved it and would ask me to sing it for her often. I think it was the words ,” When the sun shines on the mountain, when the moon is on the run. It’s a new day it’s a new way and I climb up to the sun! ” Cary, you can now climb up to the sun!! Prayers to the family.
sincerely, Rita and Gerome Wemmer
Gary and Janie Owens says
Doug and Sandy,
What wonderful thoughts you must have of your mother. Cary was a person everyone loved being around. She was fun, full of giving, nuturing, always there to help those who needed it and a good friend to all who new her. I can almost her and my mother smoking their cigarettes and laughing about something. Our prayers go out to both of you and your families
Amanda (Sindelar) Campbell says
My heart is heavy today at the passing of Cary. She will always hold a special place in my heart, as she has with so many. In the recent weeks I had told my kids that I would love for them to meet my great aunt Cary. That they would love her humor and heart. I told them stories from when I was a young girl and how she would pull me in close and tell me how much she loved my “bold” personality and my “gruff” voice. I remember always being drawn to her. She would make me laugh with her “gruff” voice and “bold” personality! One of her paintings hangs on my wall today and I will continue to cherish it and my memories of her. My thoughts and prayers today are with her and her family and friends who love her so dear.
Debby and Charlie DeCock says
Our prayers go out to the Ferch’s and the Zook’s. Always hard to lose the best mother you could ask for and a friend to so many. We know she is in a much better place with her Herb and loved ones,dancing up a storm. We were so blessed to be able to know her as a dear friend!
Sharon Reid O'Meara says
I have such fond childhood memories of Cary. Nothing was better than going to Cohagen (by car or horse) on a hot summer day and buying ice cream and coke at the general store.
We didn’t have electricity or refrigeration at the ranch. We would so enjoy visiting with Cary as long as possible (and as much ice cream as possible). She was always so welcoming and so much fun. She had a warm heart for all, even a little kid.
Bill & Karen (Curran) Dutton says
What wonderful tributes to your Mom! She was such a people-person and always had time to visit and laugh. Cherish your memories of such a fine lady. She has left you with quite a legacy.
laviniathomas says
Like everyone else, we have missed Cary for a long time, a trip to Miles City in late september
was a must for many years, dancing at the Range Riders, good visits with Cary and her friends
she was one in a million. We miss her but have to let her go, knowing that she is free of
all earthly things …..my love and prayers with Sandy, Doug and families. This leaves me with
no family ties in the Miles City area, I will and do miss that very much. I would love to be
with you but the weather is not cooperating for traveling….Lavinia Thomas
Lori Wheatcroft says
Doug and Sandy: I am so sorry to hear the news of your Mom passing. What a wonderful lady and a pillar in the Cohagen community. I have very fond memories of her at the post office, Cohagen dances and plays and visiting my parents with Herb and spending many hours playing cards. She will be missed by the entire community. Lori Pluhar Wheatcroft
Myron and Laurie Vogele says
Sandy, Doug and families.
You have both been blessed with terrific parents. Parents that loved their kids and everyone around them. They were so happy and their happiness radiates in both of you and your families. We are grateful that your mom is at peace now, you have wonderful memories and God is comforting all those who mourn your loss as well as you. God Bless you all always. We love you and your families, Laurie and Myron
Chuck and Luann Pluhar says
To Sandy and Doug and families,
We can’t even begin to tell of all the memories we had over the years with Cary, she was not only a neighbor but a close friend. We are so thankful we had her here to inspire all of us in all the years at Cohagen. I will remember her telling me once that it is nice to have a clean house, but the important thing is to have something good to eat for when people show up at your house. She always was ready when anyone came by. and they did. We miss Cary very much. Chuck and Luann
Jim & Carolyn Nepstad says
Dear Sandy & Tom,
I remember at our old church when your mom was there. We were talking outside and she had some pantie hose that were stuck in her slacks and they came out the bottom. We all had a good laugh over that one.
We know you will miss her . Our prayers are with you.
Love, Jim & Carolyn
Bob and Jane Engdahl says
Sorry to hear of Cary,s passing.So many memories of that wonderful lady, she was a great one. Our prayers are with you folks at this time.
Our love to all, Bob and Jane Engdahl
Chris and Diana Elwood says
Chris and I both have so many wonderful memories of Cary, she had a gift of making people feel welcome and she had a smile that warmed your heart. She will be missed.
Karen Roedell says
To Cary’s family – I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Most of my memories of Aunt Cary were of the times that she and Herb visited my family in Charlo when I was a child. The stories those two enjoyed telling! And of course I heard much about the two of them from my mom, Lynn (Zook) Felton – card parties and square dancing and lots of fun along with good hard work. Very special people! Praying that your memories of her love will give you comfort, and that you have the hope of seeing her again one day in heaven.
Karen (Felton) Roedell, Port Angeles
Kermit Bernard Karns says
I used to live at Uoll Heights, PO, MT 1926-1934. My folks were Thomas and Ida Karns.
I knew the father, Fred Zook and mother, who lived on the Frozen Dog Creek. Fred had been a barber and cut hair for folks. They cut ice in the winter and stored it in a cave covered with coal dust to keep through the summer. I also knew Herbert and the other Zook kids, Clayton, Melvin, and Nathalyn quite well. Seems like there was one or two more. I met Cary about 1985 or so in Miles City. Clayton married Enid Wetzbarger. I was with Enid’s brother in the CCCs in western MT. Ike Sandbakkens were neighbors who lived a mile or so southwest of Fred’s place. I live in Imperial NE now. I will be 96 years old on Jan 17. My wife, Lottie Wolf, died here in 1999. Love, Kermit Bernard Karns, PO Box 1050, Imperial NE 69033-1050. Ph: 308-882-2108
Tracy and Kathy Barnes says
Thanks Cary for being the greatest “Great Aunt”, and for playing match-maker by introducing me to Kathy 23 years ago.
bobbi morven says
Cary was such and amazing and feisty women, she will be missed more than words can say!
Sandy McFarland Hays says
Sandy, Doug, Teri and family, We will not be able to make it back to Miles City, but wanted to let you know we are thinking of you. Your mother was a wonderful person and her memory will live on.
Helen Johnsen Holtz says
Dear Doug and Sandy, after reading all the notes above, there is hardly anything to say but “ditto” to all of them. Your Mom WAS Cohagen Post Office for me. The last time I was able to talk to Cary was at (of course) a dance at the Range Riders when I was home visiting my own Mom. Cary was so happy to see me, it made me glad to have stopped by the dance in the midst of all the visiting. God Bless you all.
Shannon & Bryan Holmen says
Such a cheerful soul. We will miss her. Our prayers.
Deb and Larry Singleton says
I agree with Helen Holtz with her above comment of “ditto”. Cary loved people and everybody loved Cary….she had a spark in her eye and a place in her heart for everyone. She will be greatly missed by everyone…but thank God for memories…every memory I have of her makes me smile. May you feel the Lord’s love and peace surround you and hold you during this difficult time.
Sherri Felton (Lynn's (Zook) daughter) says
First let me say I am so sorry for your loss. Being the youngest of Tom & Lynn (Zook) Felton’s kids my memories of Cary were of times she and Herb would come out to Port Angeles, WA to visit us at the motel. Cary and Mom would visit while Dad would take Herb out fishing. Of course mom would share lots of stories in between visits of years gone by; the great fun had at dances and playing cards! Her legacy lives on through her children and grandchildren – may you all find strength and comfort through each other.
Russ Felton says
Our thought’s and prayer’s: My most recent memory of Aunt Cary, was when I had the good fortune to accompany Mom (Lynn Zook) and Dad (Tom) on a trip thru eastern Montana. Summer of 1995 I think. We stopped and visited her at her home in Miles City. Good memories. I’ve enjoyed all of the memories/ stories of the Frozen Dog. Uoll Height’s. Just like Mom is here nodding her head in agreement. I’m sure they are having a great visit right about now.
Joyce and Curt Schwartz says
Thinking of you all and sending prayers to you. I have many fond memories of Cary in Cohagen and Curt mentioned that he was known as Carys “MFB”. “My favorite banker. ” She was a good friend and a joy to be around.
June Minow says
We have many fond memories of Cary and Herb, square dancing with them for many years. They were both very nice, fun people. We extend our sympathy to Cary’s family for the loss of their special loved one. Pete and June Minow
Ashley (Schock) Bratland says
So sorry to hear of the passing of Cary. She was always so sweet. I have many fond memories of going to visit her at her house with my Aunt and cousins. Sending prayers to your family.
Mark & Donna Sindelar says
We are saddened at the loss of such a great, vibrant person. So glad we got the chance to see Aunt Cary on our last visit home. Our thoughts & prayers are with you.
Amanda Malley says
Cary was a sweet and loving woman. Reading her obituary and memories from friends and family, I wish I had known her in earlier years. The kindness she showed to me as her nurse at Friendship Villa will always have a special place in my heart. She was a wonderful “cheek kisser,” and we all miss her dearly. Rest in peace Cary, and I hope you are creating wonderful artwork for all of us who cared about you so much.
Dona Wynne Stebbins says
So sorry to hear of your loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Rick and Renee Corneliusen says
Doug, Sandy and families: we are so very sorry to learn of Cary’s passing. Her quick wit and great personality will be missed by many — not to mention those awesome caramel rolls! Take comfort in knowing she was a great friend to many and an awesome Mom to you. You’re in our hearts, thoughts and prayers.
Ginger Brown says says
Our thoughts and prayers are certainly with you at this time. Your Mother, my Aunt Carey
was a really good cook. She invited us to her house the morning after their anniversary
party in Miles City for a wonderful breakfast egg casserole. My Mom (Nathelyn Zook), told many exciting stories of Aunt Carey. I’m sure they are gathering to go over events of yesteryears right about now!
Stan and Cyndi Fiske says
Aunt Cary, what a legion! We loved her spunk and her wit. She had a real passion for her family, friends and life. At long last, she is celebrating with her husband, brother and sisters and tearing up the dance floor know doubt. She will be missed.