On the afternoon of August 4th, 2020 our wife, mother, grandmother, surrogate grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend died at the Billings Clinic after a brief non Covid-19 related respiratory illness. She was surrounded by the family she so dearly loved. She fought hard until the end.
Kathleen Ann(O’Reilly) Pittman was born April 1, 1951 into a large Irish Catholic family in Lewistown, MT to Pat and Arlene O’Reilly. She was raised in Roy, MT where she attended school and she played basketball and ran track. She graduated as valedictorian from Roy High School in 1969.
After graduation she attended college at The College of Great Falls, Northern Montana College (MSU-Northern) then graduating from Eastern Montana College (MSU-Billings) with a bachelor’s degree in business education.
She began her teaching career in Fraizer, MT then Savage, MT. She left teaching and briefly worked as a social worker in Sidney, MT before moving to Colstrip in 1978 where she began working for the Montana Power Co. as an accounting clerk until moving to the Rosebud Mine in the accounting department. In her 42 years working at the mine she used her strong work ethic to advance through many promotions in accounting, purchasing, warehousing supervisor, and concluding her tenure as a Regional Supply Chain Manager for the Westmoreland Mine Company.
While in college she met her first husband Burdette Newman, to this union three boys, the light of her life were born; Douglas, Trevor and Travis and she was blessed with two foster daughters Starla Kay and Renee. Kathy and Burdette later divorced. In 1988 she began a new journey with the love of her life, Bill Pittman. They were united in marriage on December 27th, 1991 and she gained a stepson Reilly. In 1994 her very special granddaughter Rayne was born.
While juggling her career and family life she perfected the art of motherhood. Whether it was waking up at 5:00 AM to drive her boys to a wrestling tournament and volunteering at it all day to maintaining everyday activities that accompany a growing family she never missed a beat. Her passion for motherhood was able to continue while supporting her granddaughter through basketball and other activities. For nearly 30 years she was an avid supporter of Colstrip athletics.
Her greatest joy in life was being involved in her family’s lives, including her children, granddaughter, surrogate children and grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Kathy’s kindness and caring reached beyond her family as she was there to support any person who faced any struggle in their life. She welcomed into her home countless young people and served as a mother figure and mentor. Her gentle spirit served to comfort many lives.
She loved bringing her family together. She visited with her mother and siblings on a near daily basis and spearheaded family reunions in Lewistown.
She is preceded in death by her parents; brothers Douglas and Mike; sister Patti Jo. Brothers in law Alfred Braine and Eugene Desmarais and sister in law June Dahle.
She is survived by the love of her life Bill Pittman, sons Douglas of Billings, Trevor of Helena and Travis of Missoula, step-son Reilly (Sarah)of Issaquah, WA and their children August and Daniel, granddaughter Rayne (Daniel) of Colstrip, Kaylee (Alex) of Billings and their daughters Hannah and Zoey; Foster daughters Starla Kay and Renee of Oklahoma, brothers Jim (Sharon), Tom (Maureen), John (Nancy), Tim (Beth), and Eddie Brooks. Sisters Barbara (John), Mary (Dick), and Theresa; Sister in law Ruby Braine, Brother in law Jim Dahle and Leland (Jeanette). As well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends she loved very much. Including very special cousins John Huntley and Heather Kipf, who served as a great comfort to her. In her lifetime she touched countless lives that will always have a special place in her heart.
Kathy loved flowers and they are a welcomed gift. In lieu of one certain charity; in her memory please give of yourself to someone in need with no expectation of repayment; love generously and unconditionally as she did.
Family will receive friends from 4-6PM Monday August 10, 2020 a vigil service will follow at 6PM at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Forsyth. A funeral mass will be 10AM Tuesday August 11, 2020 at Rye Park in Colstrip. Rite of Committal will follow Wednesday August 12, 2020 at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Lewistown at 2PM. Stevenson and Sons have been entrusted with the arrangements. To leave condolences may be shared with the family by visiting stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Monday August 10, 2020
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, MT 59327
Vigil Service
6:00 pm
Monday August 10, 2020
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, MT 59327
Rite of Committal
2:00 PM
Wednesday August 12, 2020
Mt. Calvary Cemetery
Lewistown, Montana 59457
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Monday August 10, 2020
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, MT 59327
Vigil Service
6:00 pm
Monday August 10, 2020
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, MT 59327
Rite of Committal
2:00 PM
Wednesday August 12, 2020
Mt. Calvary Cemetery
Lewistown, Montana 59457
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Theresa M Desmarais says
To my family. My heart is broken and I’m am lost of words. Your wife, mom, and grandma was a very special lady. Exceptinal wife, mom & grandma. She attended any event that anyone of her family participated. She was proud of each and everyone of you. Bill, you were the light of her life. Thank you for loving her and caring for her. The days ahead seem gray but her memories will bring light. Gid Bless all of you.
Leslie, Brian, Haley, Zach, & Brina Hull says
Word cannot express how sorry and sad we feel-Heaven gain a true Angel. Kathy and our famlies became fast friends when Rayne Bug was only 4 years old. What a blessing to have her in our lives all these years. Grampa Bill, we are so very sorry for your loss 🙁 Please know that we are here for you and the whole family. We love you.
May all of your fond memories of her help you through this difficult time. Remember her laugh, loving, caring ways and snuggletime.
Penny Hart says
Doug, Trevor, Travis
So sorry to hear about your mom, she was a wonderful woman. Cherish the memories!
RIP Aunt Kathy
Love you,
Randy and Penny Hart
Lynn Tompkins says
So sorry to hear about Kathy. I remember the visiting at Theresa’s shop. Those were fun times. And Roger, you were there adding snarky remarks. I remember your voice on the answering machine at Western Energy. Good memories to hold close.
Vicky Fink says
Theresa & family…so sorry to hear of Kathy’s passing. My sympathy to you and your family. Take care.
Connie Brown says
To all of Kathy’s family so sorry for your loss. I truly enjoyed the good times, and her laughter. May God bless you with all the memories.
Roxie and Calvin Wilson says
Sorry for your loss. Kathy was such a beautiful soul and beautiful woman inside and out. Bill you and Kathy did everything together and Cal and I always were so glad to see the two of you and visit. Rayne Bug so sorry for your loss you were the light of her life and she was so so proud of you. Doug, Trevor and Travis you made her proud and she adored and supported you in your adventures and she would glowingly tell us about them.
Barbara M., our thoughts are with you and your family it’s hard when you lose someone you love and respect. We pray that have the support you need in this sad time.
May God bless and keep you safe in his arms. Please know we are thinking about you and sending prayers your way. God bless.
Sally Staples Holmes says
Kathy was a classmate of mine in Roy. Although I had not seen her in many years I have the most fond memories of her. RIP Kathy and condolences to her family.
Loni and Buggs Hartman says
There are not enough words to tell you how sorry I am for the loss of such a sweet kind woman as Kathy. I spent a lot of time at her house when she moved to Colstrip. She had the foster kids and Starla and I ran around and Kathy always welcomed me with open arms. I loved how she loved her family. Her kids were her everything. Everytime I got to talk to her it was like we never left off. We talked about the kids, Grandkids and husbands. She had a heart as big as the moon. Heaven gained an Angel for sure. Bill and family I am so sorry. Loni and Buggs Hartman
Terry Currier says
I am so sorry for your loss! Kathy was the monarch of her family. We had so many wonderful times together when you kids were growing up. Kathy was always there for not only her family but her friends as well. She was one of a kind and will be missed by many. Sending love and prayers to all of you.
Mary Holzwarth says
I too, had known Kathy, since she became a Colstripian. She lived right across the street from my parents. And we worked together; at Western Energy. She always has an ear to lend you and a hand up if you needed it. My sincere condolences to Kathy’s family and friends. May she rest in eternal peace.
Steve and Sandy Perusich says
I’m so sorry for your loss. We had many enjoyable times throughout the baseball years and we were very found of kathy and family. Prayers and blessings to all of the family. So please except are sincere condolences.🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Mona & Lewis Harrell says
To all of Kathy family Lewis & I send prayers to all of you. Though she was younger then I I can still see her running to school with her pretty dresses always with a smile. She has left so many beautiful memories for all of you. Some say that God picks the best. Kathy will take car of God’s garden now. Sending you all love.
Kathy LaFountain says
I am so sorry for your loss. She was a friend and classmate. We did many things together growing up in Roy.
Ed and Cindy Hatten says
We feel so blessed to have called Kathy a good friend. Our hearts and prayers go Bill, Doug, Trevor, Travis, Riley, and Rayne. Kathy was always was so supportive of her family and the youth of Colstrip. We each spent many hours working with Kathy on youth sports boards, at games, in the bleachers, and fundraising.
Kathy Pittman could have wrote a book on compassion and forgiveness. She talked the talk but alway walked the walk.
Barb and Teresa we are sending you hugs. You have lost a truly great sister.
May God bless you all as you enter the journey of life without Kathy.
Dinny and Cindy Bennett says
Bill, Doug, Rayne, Trevor, Travis and Barb M., our hearts go out to you and your family. Kathy was a great woman who loved her family dearly. She will be missed by many and remembered forever. Out thoughts and prayers are with all of you. God Bless.
Carla walker says
So very sorry for you’re loss prayers for the family RIp Kathy
Marty & Kay Mulcahy says
We are so sorry to hear of Kathy’s passing. We have so many fond memories of Kathy from back in the day when our kids were growing up in Colstrip She was such a great mom and a good friend. We send our heartfelt condolences to Bill, Doug, Trevor and Travis. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. RIP Kathy.
Cory and Natasha Sailer says
We are deeply saddened by the news of Kathy’s passing. She will be forever missed as a friend, co-worker, and overall amazing person. Her heart was larger than most and was in everything she did. Her love for her family, friends, and colleagues alike should be what everyone strives to be. Kathy will be greatly missed. Bill and family, you are all in our prayers.
K.D. says
Dear Pittman Family – Please accept my condolences for the loss of dear Kathy. I lost my mother in May and would like to share a few words of encouragement that have helped me to get through these past few months.
The Bible makes it clear that God did not originally intend for us to die. Psalms 37:29 states that, “The righteous will possess the earth and they will live forever on it.” Because of this , there is a hope to see your loved one again. I am looking forward to seeing my mother in a future paradise where sickness and death will be done away with. – Revelation 21:3, 4
However, when the enemy death strikes, grief is great and emotions run high. Please keep in mind that it does not show weakness to cry. As a matter of fact, when Lazarus died, Jesus himself, “gave way to tears.” This can be found at John 11:33, 35.
Know that your family is in my prayers and it is my sincere hope that these words will bring you comfort. Always remember that you can draw close to God in prayer and in this most trying time, “He himself will sustain you.” – Psalms 55:22
Doug & Debbie Skiles says
We are so sorry to hear about Kathy. She was a wonderful lady and a good friend. Family meant the world to her. Kathy snd Bill were always together. Doug, Trevor and Travis she always supported you in your sports. Rayne, you were her world. Barb and Theresa, we are thinking of you at this time. All of Kathy’s family is in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Hugs and Prayers!
Amber Nielson says
So very sorry for your loss. She was always a pleasure to work with. May your memories keep you strong through these difficult times. Hugs & prayers to your entire family.
Niles and Bobbie Nelson says
Travis and family
Our prayers and sympathy to you and yours in the loss of your mom. Moms are amazing people that do so much to care for others that it is difficult to think of our lives without them; the hole left in your life without her must be tremendous. Gods presence be with you and yours in every moment of your days to come.
Niles and Bobbie Nelson
Joe Larimore says
Sorry for the family of Kathy knew her when I delivered to weco . Injoyed talking to her and Bill. Prayers be with you all.
Dan & Wendy Negethon says
We were so saddened to hear the shocking news that our friend Kathy had passed away. Our thoughts and prayers go our to all of her family at this time of grief. She will always have a special place in our hearts as we held her friendship in highest regards.
Andrita Harris says
Deepest sympathy and condolences for the family.
Sorry to hear of your loss. She will be missed
Irene and Ken Nelson says
Kathy loved and served not only her family but the community. I’m so sorry for your loss. Kathy had the biggest heart and will be missed. May the love of God, family and friends support you during this difficult time.
Glenn & Kristy Logan says
Bill & family, our deep condolences on Kathy’s passing. She was an angel, who took such good care of all of at the mine.
Keith Fank says
I am so sorry for your loss. Kathleen was a wonderful person.
Lou says
So sorry Doug, Trevor and Travis!
Wanda L Kolstad says
To Kathy’s whole family, Am so sorry for your loss. Can remember her from her younger days as she was younger that I. She will be missed by all, but has a wonderful person waiting for her at the peril gates.