Catherine Margaret Roys

1931 - 2024

Catherine Margaret Roys

November 9, 1931 - November 26, 2024

Catherine, known by friends and family as Cathy, passed away peacefully at the age of 93 in a memory care facility in Spokane on November 26,2024.

Cathy was born November 9,1931 in Butte to Andrew and Elizabeth Lash. Cathy grew up on the 'east side' of Butte, a child of mining immigrants. She was the youngest in a large Catholic family, Elizabeth, Joe, Annie, Steve, Fran, Sophie, Bill and Ed. Cathy and Ed were closest in age, separated by only a year. They shared a close bond growing up which continued throughout the years.

Cathy attended Grant Elementary School and Butte High School, graduating in 1950. Cathy attended Butte Business College studying bookkeeping. She worked for several businesses in Butte over the years including St. James Hospital, the Murray Clinic and Automotive Supply. She retired about the time computers started replacing humans as number crunchers. Not to be outdone by a computer, Cathy was able to run a 10 key to rule over her checkbook.

Cathy met her future husband Dick Roys over the Fourth of July in 1954 at none other than Luigi's when Dick was on leave from Malmstrom AFB in Great Falls. Their connection was a fast one. Dick hitchhiked from Great Falls to Butte several times to see Cathy and three months later they were married October 2, 1954, in Butte at Sacred Heart Church. Cathy and Dick lived in Great Falls until his discharge. During their time in Great Falls Cathy gave birth to their son, John. Cathy, Dick and John returned to Butte to settle.

Cathy worked her entire adult life. Her passion was family gatherings. She and Dick had great times playing Pinochle and Canasta with Cathy's brother Steve on Friday and Saturday nights. Later in life she truly enjoyed her grandchildren as kids and adults.

Cathy was a Butte girl in the truest form. She made a mean povitica for Thanksgiving and Christmas. She was also very proud of her delicious pasties, a Butte favorite.

Cathy was preceded in death by her parents and all her brothers and sisters. She is survived by son, John (Jan) and grandchildren Josh Roys (Kristina), Jessica Rizzuto, Devin Hennessey (Kellie) and David Hennessey (Kady). Cathy is also survived by several great grandchildren. Burial mass will be celebrated at St Ann's Catholic Church July3,2025, at11:00 a.m. Visitation will be immediately prior to mass. Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, any donations to your local memory care foundation or any hospice organization are greatly appreciated.