Kathryn Mary Sweeney, 68

Surrounded by family and resting comfortably, Kathryn Sweeney passed away in the early morning hours of Sept. 21, 2017.

Kathryn Mary (Morgan) Sweeney was born in Rigby, Idaho, on Jan. 10, 1949. Her family moved to Montana in 1956 when her parents purchased a local apiary business that became Morgan Honey Farm. Kathryn graduated from Hot Springs High School in 1967. She then attended Montana State University in Bozeman, obtaining a degree in botany. Following college, Kathryn married Ken Sweeney and lived on their ranch in Lonepine for nearly 30 years. They raised three boys, Craig, Cole and Chris, on the ranch, and gave them a wonderful childhood.

Kathryn continued her education in the mid-’90s by traveling daily from Lonepine to Salish Kootenai College and then traveling from Lonepine to the University of Montana in Missoula. She spent many hours in the lab and in the classroom, both as a student and a teacher. Kathryn received a master’s degree and then a Ph.D. from the University of Montana in cell and molecular biology. She loved education and the opportunity to educate others.

After Kathryn obtained her Ph.D., she enjoyed many other pursuits, including traveling regularly to Mexico and building a home for herself in a small village outside of Puerto Vallarta. She also took a Spanish class when she was in her mid-60s. She traveled to Ireland as well, which was always one of her must-see places.

Kathryn enjoyed many things in life, including spending time with her family, her sons, and her grandchildren. She also loved collecting buttons and spending hours sorting through boxes looking for just the right one. Kathryn enjoyed gardening, and growing and canning her own vegetables. She was an avid reader and could complete crosswords puzzles with ease.

Kathryn was a remarkable person, both for her always-adventurous spirit, and her never-ending generosity. She is an example by which her sons try to live. She was supportive in everything her children wished to do and did not hesitate to lend a helping hand.

Kathryn is preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth Wayne Morgan and Margaret Morgan; and by her brother Robert Morgan. Kathryn is survived by her siblings, Ann Howser (Lucky), Kenneth Morgan, Janine Jaques and Becky Steinebach (Keith); her children Craig (Tiffany), Cole and Chris (Kimberly); her grandchildren, Cooper and Jilian Sweeney; and many nieces and nephews.

Kathryn was an extraordinary woman, friend and mother. She will be missed.

A memorial will take place for Kathryn at noon, Saturday, Sept. 30, at the Lonepine Community Hall in Lonepine. Family and friends are invited to attend and celebrate Kathryn’s life. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Sweeney Family Scholarship, addressed to Sweeney Family Scholarship, c/o Tiffany Sweeney, P.O. Box 3393, Great Falls, MT 59403.