Catherine Stibel

 Catherine H. Stibel, 94, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, sister -in- law, aunt, great aunt, and friend peacefully passed away February 21st. 

Vigil service will be held Friday, March 24, at 7pm at Asper/Pondera Funeral Home. Funeral mass will be held Saturday, March 25, at 10am at St. Michael's Catholic Church. Private family burial in the spring.

Catherine was born March 23rd,1928 in Conrad to William Barry and Mary Margaret Hennessy.  She was raised in Conrad and graduated from Conrad High school in 1946.  She attended and graduated from the University of Montana in 1950 with a degree in Education. She was particularly proud of being a Grizzly cheerleader, member of Tri Delta Sorority, the Spurs, and student body vice president. She was a loyal Grizzly fan until the end. Her first teaching job was in Florence where she met a handsome gentlemen and fellow teacher, John Stibel.  They married and two years later they moved to Conrad to assume the family business, the Hennessy Lumber Company.  They owned and operated the lumberyard for 40 years retiring in 1992.  She was an active member of the community serving as a substitute teacher, FHS advisor, member of St. Michael’s Church (CCD Teacher and served on the Parish council), a proud member of Red Hats, Pondera Golf Club member, and many more.  She had a passion for playing Bridge and getting her hair done EVERY Thursday. She enjoyed traveling during her retirement and spending time with children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and other family and friends.

Catherine is survived by her children, John Stibel (Terri), Patrick Stibel (Mary), Ann Philipps (Dave); son-in-law, Jerry Johns; grandchildren, Catie Reed (Eric), Kymra Archibald (Matt), Bryce Johns, (Heather), Grant Johns (Kenzie), Rashelle Merritt, (Matt), Jenae Johns, Parker Philipps, Jayce Philipps (Nicole); seven great grandchildren and one on the way; numerous nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, William B. and Mary Margaret Hennessy; her husband, John J. Stibel; daughter, Mary Johns; sisters, Mary Louise Seman, Margaret Jacobson, and Jean Ries.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to: Pondera Arts Council PO Box 564 Conrad, MT 59425 or Conrad Dollars for Scholars.

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