April 22, 1932-March 26, 2019
Catherine Marie Meekin (nee Chilton), 86, died at her home in Big Sky Senior Living, Tuesday March 26, 2019.
Catherine was a loving wife, mother and grandmother and well known for her sense of humor and thoughtfulness.           ·Â
She was born April 22, 1932 in Seattle, WA to Rexford W. Chilton and Marie Chilton (nee Dunn). While in high school, Catherine owned several horses and was active in show jumping, winning many trophies. She also acted in the Seattle Repertory Theater and played clarinet in the her high school band. Catherine graduated from Lincoln High School in Seattle, in 1950. Following graduation, she spent two years in Anchorage Alaska working for the Civil Aeronautics Administration, where she also played clarinet in the Anchorage Symphony and continued her love of drama by joining the Anchorage Little Theater.Â
Catherine was united in marriage with Thomas K Meekin of Laramie, Wyoming on March 23, 1957. During his career with the Department of Fisheries, Thomas and Catherine resided in Yakima, East Wenatchee and Olympia, WA.Â
In retirement, Thomas and Catherine served two years in the Peace Corps, and were stationed in Belize, C.A., where Catherine worked for the Audubon Society and taught young girls sewing. They also spent two winters teaching English in Antigua, Guatemala, and lived two years in both Mexico and England. At the conclusion of their travels, Thomas and Catherine lived in Stevensville, MT and Florence. OR.Â
With a passionate interest in the English authors, the Bronte Sisters, Catherine served as president of the Pacific Northwest Chapter of the American Bronte Society for several years. Catherine's hobby was painting and she was particularly skilled in Chinese Brush painting. She was also an avid knitter.Â
Since moving to Butte in the summer of 2011, Catherine has been a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church.Â
Catherine is survived by her son Thomas (Raechelle) Meekin of Butte, MT; her daughter Julia Meekin of Red Banks, MS; her son Kevin Meekin of Missoula, MT; three granddaughters, Heather Luther, Emily (Cody) Barrett and Allison (Alan) Crabb; three great-grandsons; a brother James Chilton of Richmond, CA and a sister Pamela Challinor of El Cerrito, CA. She is preceded in death by her parents and by her husband,Thomas K. Meekin.Â
A private interment in Butte will be held at a later date.Â
Memorials may be made to the Chelsea Bailey Butte Silver-Bow Animal Shelter.
Axelson Alternative Cremation is privileged to serve The Meekin Family.Â