- Kathryn 'Katie' Roscoe Stack
MISSOULA ? Katie Stack, of Missoula, passed away Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009, at the family home surrounded by her loved ones after a three-and-a-half year battle with cancer. She fought cancer daily with strength and courage. Katie never let cancer take her spirit, kindness or love.
Katie was born June 5, 1950, in Billings, to William P. and Emily Covert Roscoe. She was educated at Holy Rosary Grade School, Billings Central Catholic High School and Carroll College.
On Aug. 3, 1974, she was married to Thomas E. Stack in Lincoln. Also in 1974, the couple moved to Missoula, where she resided the next 35 years, raising her family.
Katie's vocation in life was to her loving family. She also held various jobs to help the family in times of financial need.
She was primarily a stay-at-home mom, who raised four wonderful children, Toby, Anna, Eddie and Willie. She gave them love and strength, confidence, intellect and spiritualism.
Katie was the heart of the family. She ran the house, every task, big or small. She lived her life for the family, for which they are ever grateful. Katie was a devoted mother who played and laughed with her children every day. There are endless memories of arts and crafts, games, forts, singing, dancing, imagination play and so much more. She was a stern mother, but a playmate and friend to her children as well. She did everything with love. She'd hug and kiss and say "I love you" to each child every day. She guided them through their challenges, she shared their triumphs and failures. She always attended their many activities and sporting events. She loved their friends and treated them as if they were her own.
Katie had deep compassion for those in need. In the mid-1980s, she was a parent and guiding light to her foster son, Les. She loved her family deeply.
Katie had a passion for music. She loved playing the piano and jamming with her friends. Over the years, she was a member of several local bands. She also had a passion for reading, which she indulged in daily. It was her favorite hobby.
Katie explored the mysteries of the universe and spiritualism, seeking answers and knowledge through her addiction to reading. To say she had many opinions would be an understatement. She was passionate in her beliefs, which she loved to share and discuss with her friends, "The Girls Group." Katie cherished the time she spent with her friends. She loved going to Pattee Canyon, Symes Hot Springs and gathering at each other's homes for Ladies' Party.
Katie loved her many trips to New York to visit Grandma and Grandpa Stack and all the many aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces and cousins. She enjoyed all the cultural and historical experiences of New York City.
Katie's true love was spending time at the Roscoe family cabin, "Por Fin" and "Rockhaven" on the Stillwater River near the town of Absarokee, in eastern Montana, where she spent many summers as a child. She loved making the pilgrimage from Missoula to the cabin every summer and the peaceful time spent with the children, family and nature at her "favorite place." She instilled her love for the cabin in all of us.
Katie was preceded in death by her father, William P. Roscoe II; brother Judson Roscoe; brother John Roscoe; and father-in-law, Thomas E. Stack Sr.
Katie is survived by her four children, Toby and his wife Kari, Anna, Eddie and Willie; her husband Tom; and her grandchildren, Ethan and Ella Stack; and her other loving family members, Bryan Thormahlen, Katy Furlong and Sara Dennehy. She is also survived by her mother, Emily C. Roscoe; her siblings, Jim Roscoe, Bill Roscoe III, Tris Sayler, Mike Roscoe; and many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins. Mom, we love and miss you dearly.
A private ceremony was held in Missoula on Monday, Nov. 9, for family members.
Memorials can be made in her name to St. Joseph Elementary, 503 Edith St., Missoula, MT 59801; and Missoula Loyola Catholic High School, 320 Edith St., Missoula, MT 59801.
The Billings Gazette
November 14, 2009
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1950 - 2009 (59 years)
