Kate Melinda Osborne

1954 - 2024

Born in Burley Idaho to Bill and Colleen Osborne on October 11, 1954, Kate Melinda Osborne determined at a very early age that dictating the terms of life suited her well. Joining brother Mike, they could not have been more different or more the same, sharing a deep devotion until his death in 2000. She spent her early years on the family ranch in Lolo, Montana where her days were filled with chores, 4H projects, creativity, older sister responsibilities, and her beloved pets. As the oldest girl, she led her younger sisters on hikes in the area, always stopping to appreciate the fine points of the flora and fauna. She was a great lover of nature and would notice the smallest of God's creatures.

As the family business grew, the Osbornes moved to Missoula and then to Flathead, where Katy graduated high school. She had adventures that took her away from home, but she would always find her way back to the family nest.

In the late 1970s, Liberty Drilling started working at the mine in Challis. She opened the office and managed the branch, keeping the drillers in line with her quick temper and exceptional work ethic.

Katy soon fell in love with the people of Challis and Central Idaho. Over the years, she had a variety of careers. She spent time working in the backcountry at Triple Creek, the Diamond D, bartending for years at The Custer, and then at Bux's. Additionally, she worked as a graphic artist, did landscaping, and ended her working years cleaning out fish screens for the fish and game. She loved the adventure of life and was one who could vividly relay the perils and excitement in a story.

Katy could do the work of two men and then fix the most delicious chicken and dumplings with fresh apple pie for dessert. Her books were a great love, reading her favorites over and over again, but taking care to maintain their pristine condition. Her natural artistic abilities were evident in what

ever medium she touched, beadwork, stained glass, oil, acrylic, pottery, woodworking, you name it, she could master it!

Katy had many suitors in her life, but Jon Huffaker was a constant in her later years. Katy was preceded in death by her infant son William Tony, parents William and Colleen Osborne, brother Michael Osborne, sister Marjorie Gardner, and her love Jon Huffaker. She is survived by her two sisters, Gina (Bob) Sorensen, and Elizabeth (Zeno) Marvin, and nieces Jessica, Hailey, Ivy, Shyla, and Emily. Nephews Saje, Thayer, and Sam. A heartfelt thank you to Challis for being Katy's nest. She flew away several times but always returned to her beloved community where she had lifelong friendships. Katy passed in the morning of September 3, 2024, no doubt she is onto her next adventure.