Kathy Kuchynka was born on September 16, 1954, in Miles City, Montana to Henry and Shirley Kuchynka. She passed away on November 18th, 2023, in Billings, Montana with family by her side.
Kathy was the fifth of six children. Growing up with 5 siblings and many cousins, she enjoyed playing softball and other games with her family and the neighborhood kids. Kathy graduated from Custer County High School and met her husband, Scott Pering, while in high school, through family. They were married on September 17th, 1977. They moved to Great Falls while Scott was in the Air National Guard, and Kathy attended cosmetology school. One of Kathy’s favorite memories from living in Great Falls was watching F106 fighter interceptors take off at night. She also enjoyed the many special friendships they made while living there. In March of 1979, they moved back to Miles City, Montana, where Kathy finished cosmetology school. Scott and Kathy enjoyed playing darts, listening to disco music, and spending time with family and friends. They recently celebrated their 46th wedding anniversary.
After moving back to Miles City, Kathy worked at the hospital and the Crystal Pistol before starting as a beautician at Midtown Hair Fashions. She enjoyed doing hair for clients and working with her colleagues for 20 years. She then managed the Eagles Club where she hosted many community events and the rest of Miles City got to see what an incredible cook and baker she was. Before retiring, Kathy worked at RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) and then finally at the front desk at the Miles City Fire Department, which she truly enjoyed.
Kathy’s family would like everyone to know that she was the life of every family get-together, had quick wit and a heart of gold. She was an incredible caretaker to her husband Scott and mother Shirley (not just care-taker for her mother but also her own personal at-home beautician!) The family will miss her amazing cooking and especially all the baked goods for birthdays, Christmas, and other holidays. Almost every Saturday Kathy met her sisters (and sometimes other family) at her mother’s house to play cards. They will miss those laughs and chats dearly, but she will be there in spirit for every game.
Kathy was preceded in death by her father Henry “Hank” Kuchynka; brother Larry Kuchynka; brothers-in-law Ron Kiosse, Merril Pearcy, Jim Cook, Lyle Schmidt, and Wes Gilbertson; and her father-in-law and mother-in-law Don and Clara Pering.
Kathy is survived by her husband Scott Pering; mother Shirley Kuchynka; brother and sister-in-law Gary and Jeanne Kuchynka; sister Sandra Pearcy; brother Rick Kuchynka; sister Cindy Kiosse; her sisters-in-law Rhea Kuchynka, Donna Schmidt, and Nancy Gilbertson; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
We would like to thank the ER staff at Miles City Holy Rosary and Billings St. Vincent’s for the care and kindness they showed Kathy and her family. That treatment doesn’t go unnoticed and is so appreciated during those difficult times. We would also like to sincerely thank the Miles City EMTs and Fire Department for the help they’ve provided to both Kathy and Scott. They have always shown so much kindness and Kathy really appreciated them.
Kathy – we love you, we miss you, and you will always be in our hearts.
Family will Receive Friends from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Kathy’s name to Wake Up & Lace Up ~ Miles City.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday November 25, 2023
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday November 25, 2023
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St.
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Cindy Ingraham says
We are so sorry to hear this news. Scott and Kathy were our neighbors for over 30 years. Rest in Peace good neighbor. Bruce and Cindy Ingraham
Clara jo says
So sorry to hear about Kathy passing . What a wonderful lady ! May all your memories fill your days 🤗
Marcy Parks says
Sandra, Paula, Rhea, and all of Kathy’s family, I am so sorry! My heart goes out to all of you. You are in my thoughts and prayers!
Rebecca Kane says
Joe and I send heartfelt sympathy to you in this time of sadness. Kathy’s impact on your lives is a testament to the beautiful soul she was.
Becky Kane & Joe Purkett
Deb Bickel says
To all of Kathy’s family, so very sorry for your loss. We shared many laughs together when we ran into one another. She was my hairdresser forever, before she retired. She will be greatly missed by all that new her. R.I.P. dear lady.
MARTHA J CRANDALL says
My sympathy
Carol Schneidt says
So sorry to hear this! Kathy gave me lots of haircuts and perms when she worked at Midtown Beauty shop. Always enjoyed my visits with her!
Beth Ann Wiedeman says
to all of Kathy’s family, my payers are for you during this time of grief. May you feel my arms wrapped around you, giving love. When I think of Kathy, I hear her laugh. I am so heartbroken for all of you and for all of us who knew Kathy and had the benefit of being her friend.
Cheryl Fuhrman says
My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
I’m so sorry to hear of Kathy’s sudden passing. My thoughts go out to all the Pering and Kuchynka families at this sad time. May you feel the many hugs going your way.
Jan Munroe says
I am so sorry for your loss.
Sandy McFarland Hays says
This is so sad. I loved chatting with Kathy when we would run into each other. Sending my sympathy and prayers to all of her family.
Lillian Tom Ostendorf says
So sorry to hear of Kathy’s passing. Our sympathy to her fanily.
Carolyn Hays says
Oh my! Can’t believe Kathy has left us. She was such a free spirit and so much fun to be around. I remember one time when a bunch of us from the Red Rock went ice skating in the middle of the night after getting off work. Kathy fell and nearly broke her jaw. She was black and blue forever. She was also my beautician when I still lived in MIles City and I greatly missed her when we moved away. Such a sense of humor, always laughing. She will be missed by many! May she rest in peace and may her family and friends find comfort in their memories of a wonderful person. Dooky
Deb Bartholomew and Family says
To All Kathy’s Family
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss of Kathy. God has gained a Beautiful Lady!! I will miss her laugh, smile and sense of humor. When I would see her she always had a smile on her face and time to visit. She was truly loved by all who knew her. Always remember “When A Loved One Becomes A Memory That Memory Becomes A Treasure”. Kathy will always be Treasure in your heart and never forgotten. Treasure your memories of her as they will help thru difficult days and times ahead. My thoughts and prayers are with you all!!
cori munsell says
I am so sorry for the loss of your sister. Sisters are special. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Rissa Seabolt says
Thinking of you all during this difficult time. I enjoyed seeing Kathy at St.Vincent de Paul store. She always had a smile and a twinkle in her pretty eyes. May our heavenly father comfort you with his word and promises.
LaRae Tangen says
So sorry to see that Kathy passed away. She was always so friendly and will miss waving to her on her porch. Many prayers to her friends and family.
Lin Cory Koerper says
May The Lord Jesus give you peace and strength during this time. Kathy was a good friend in high school and enjoyed seeing her from time to time. You are all in my prayers and may The Lord bring healing to your hearts.
Pat jones says
I’m so sorry, we grew up together and we’re best friends, always will remember the good times and would see her often when I came to town, will miss her smile and the hugs,love you, God be with yous .
Doug and Diane Ellingson says
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Kelsey Kuchynka says
Aunt Kathy was always so fun to be around. I loved her laugh and her willingness to be dealt in for cards. I’ll always remember how kind she was to me when my mom was sick in the hospital in Billings. She will be missed.
Mary Fischer says
Cindy and family- I’m so sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. It truly sounds like she was a gift to all her knew her. She will never be forgotten. Duane and Mary Fischer
Florine Lazorenko says
Nancy. So sorry for your loss. Will keep you and your family in my prayers
Walt Malone says
To all of Kathy’s family, i am so sorry for your loss. I have known Kathy and her family for just about her entire life. Hard to believe she is no longer with us. R I P.
To all of Kathy’s family. I am so sorry for your loss. I have known Kathy and family for just about her entire life. Hard to believe she is no longer with us. R I P Kathy.
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