Katherine Alice Gillespie

Katherine Alice (Gibbons) Gillespie, a.k.a. Mike, was born in Lewistown in September of 1932 to Jim and Ruth Gibbons. Mike was number 4 of 9 children (Margaret, Laura, Doris, Mike, Ellen, Nancy, Marion, Jim, and Tom). She attended school north of Winifred at the Gibbons’ Whiskey Ridge Ranch until 4th grade, and then the family acquired a winter home in Winifred where she graduated from high school. She attended the College of Great Falls for 2 years and then completed her BA while teaching school.

Mike accepted a job in Edgar, MT and taught there for 2 years. She then taught in Bridger for a year while continuing her education.

She married Tom Gillespie in June of 1955. They were blessed with 6 children during their 20-year marriage, Karen (Dave), Diane, Sue (Kevin), Marie, TJ, and Sheryl (Eric). Mike also had 5 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren who were the light of her life!

Mike taught at St. Peter and Paul School from 1968-1973 and then accepted a job at Benton Lake School for a year. She continued her teaching at Holy Family/Holy Spirit and retired after 23 accomplished years. She also tutored over 80 different children through the years at her kitchen table.

Beginning in 2010, Mike became a Foster Grandparent (affectionately known as Gramma Mike) in elementary school programs for over 10 years.

She sang with the Sweet Adelines for many years and performed in numerous programs and competitions. She also worked in the dining room at the National Guard, cleaned houses, babysat, and did other small jobs in addition to teaching full time.

Mike passed away peacefully on August 13, 2022. A memorial service will be held at the Holy Spirit Catholic Church (201 44th St. S, Great Falls) on Friday, August 19, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. with final interment at Calvary Cemetery in Lewistown, MT on August 19 at 4:00 p.m. The service will be available via livestream (@holyspiritgf.org). In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (https://www.stjude.org), Emilie Center of Great Falls (406-771-6695), or a charity of your choice.