Kathie Pearl Ostman

Kathie Ostman passed away on May 22, 2025, at the age of 70. Known for her unwavering faith, poetry, and lifelong friendships, Kathie lived a life shaped by conviction, creativity, and connection.

Born to Pauline “Toots” Embody, Kathie was raised in the place she loved most, Conrad Montana. Her childhood was rooted in family, from her neighbors the Sheldon’s, to her two closest childhood friends, Tony and Carol, who were like sisters. Her grandparents, Ida and Claude, and her hardworking mother—who made sure Kathie was always the best-dressed child in school.

Kathie kept childhood friendships for life. There were “The 3 Kathys” Kathy Van Heel, Kathy Maynard & herself (Although, she always pointed our her name was spelled with an “ie.”), as well as her dear friend, Cheryl Bentley.

As a teenager, she worked at the Orpheum Theater, a place that held lasting memories for her. She often relived the funny stories of her high school years.

Her passions included fashion, makeup artistry, and poetry. She contributed her creative talents as a makeup artist for the Pondera Players and had an eye for fashion, seen in everything from her paper doll collection to her personal style.

In 1984, Kathie married Craig Ostman in Lake Tahoe, California. Their life together blended the small town Montana lifestyle with the warmth of California roots. Craig remained her steadfast partner and the love of her life for over 40 years.

At the heart of Kathie’s identity was her deep faith as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Her religion was the guiding force in her life, and she took great pride in sharing her beliefs with others. Her spiritual community was vast, and she saw them not just as friends, but as brothers and sisters.

Kathie was a mother to three daughters: Jolie, Maria, and Kira. She was a constant in Kira’s life until her passing five years ago—a heartbreak Kathie carried deeply.

Kathie is preceded in death by her beloved mother, Pauline “Tootsie” Embody, and her beautiful daughter, Kira Ostman.

She is survived by her husband, Craig Ostman; daughters Maria Ostman (Dorothy) and Jolie Kiser (Jason); grandsons Grayson and Penn Kiser; her sister Connie Hirsch; her brother Danny Williams (Debbie); her sister-in-laws Denys Soto (John) and Lorili Ostman; and many nieces, nephews, and friends from her faith community who were like family.

Kathie will be remembered as a poetic story teller, a close friend, and a woman of deep faith.

Services will be held October 4, 2025, 2PM, at the Kingdom Hall for Jehovah’s Witnesses located at 1075 Oilfield Ave, Shelby, Mt. The program will be made available via a Zoom broadcast. (Meeting ID 718 702 080, Passcode 799368.) In lei of money, flowers, or food please donate to Pondera Players.