Catherine Reed

Catherine Rose (Nigg) Reed, 85, daughter of Anna Morgan and Simon Nigg, passed away June 9, 2009. Katie was born Jan. 25, 1924, in Conrad, where she attended school.

Katie married Lester R. Reed in Kalispell on Feb. 26, 1942. Katie and Les owned and operated Reed Cafe in Conrad, and later managed the Eloika Lake Resort in Deer Park, Wash. Katie and Les moved to Martin City in 1968, where she tended bar at several local businesses and was well known for her pool playing. Katie was head housekeeper for the Vista Motel in West Glacier and worked at Apgar Village Lodge until after her 80th birthday. Katie was a member of the Moose Lodge and a charter member of the Eagles in Columbia Falls.

Katie was preceded in death by her husband, Les; her daughter, Janet Sue; son-in-law, Tom Edwards; and her parents.

She is survived by four daughters, Floreen "Punky" and Jerry Johnson, and Darleen and Denny Gossard, all of Spokane, Wash., Nonie and Monty Pruett of Martin City, and Donna Edwards of Columbia Falls; grandchildren, Tom Smith, Debbie Jones, Mary and Gene Keith, Brad and Lori Meyer, Brian Meyer, Brenda Treadway, Bret and Gae Meyer, Bart and Buffy Meyer, Dan and Andrea Nedved, Michele Nedved, Donnie Church, Sarah (Church) and Blu Hines, and Derik Church; 15 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters, Loretta Krall of Reno, Marge Gebhart of Conrad, and Frances Damskey of Carson City, Nev.; and an extended family of relatives and friends.

A celebration of life service was held Saturday, June 13, at St. Richard's Catholic Church in Columbia Falls. A potluck reception followed at the South Fork in Martin City.