Kathryn Rea Hillhouse

Kathryn Hillhouse

January 27 1948 October 10 2024

The good Lord needed a friend; and so, it was that he called our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, wife, sister, daughter, and confidant home. Kathryn R Hillhouse (Kaye) passed away October 10, 2024 at her home in Dillon.

She was born January 27, 1948 in Deer Lodge Montana to John Wigen and Georgene Wigen Koester. She came from a large family the 6th of 7 children. And later when her father remarried, she gained a step-mother; 4 half-brothers and 3 half-sisters.

Kaye spent her time growing up between California and Montana.

Her step mother and younger siblings always looked forward to her visits with great expectation. When you spent time with Kaye there was never a dull moment.

She married Robert Johnson in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho; and together they had three sons. They later divorced, and Kaye stepped into the role of single mother.

She worked as a newspaper reporter and construction secretary raising her boys in Long Beach California; where she also met her soul mate Ronald Hillhouse.

They moved to Montana and were married in 1997; where she worked as a dietary aide.

Mom could throw a meal together in seconds when all her kids would show up. She could also belt out Melanie's song "I have a brand-new pair of roller-skates" and clear the house of her teenage boys.

A selfless person; she was always the first to volunteer; when a family member needed help. It didn't matter if it was cleaning house, building the house, dishes or sitting with kids.

Kaye brought joy and laughter to everyone around her with her quick wit and infectious sense of humor. She taught us all how to play canasta or cribbage; and was always up for a spirited card game. Halloween was her favorite holiday, the "trick": in "trick or treat" inspired her. When she had a moment to herself you could find her sipping wine and reading a book. She was fierce defender of family and friends, and as a rock hound she always had a special rock for you.

When she got together with her grandkids there was no holding back. She made them feel special and she wanted to know what they were up to; and what was going on in their lives. She could walk into a room of cranky kids, and in no time, they would be laughing and telling jokes. After a long line of sons, and grandsons the day she found out she was finally going to have a Granddaughter she was over the moon.

Kaye had the unique ability to transform ordinary moments into extraordinary memories. Spending time with family, out at her stepmother's was some of her best times and favorite memories

Kaye was preceded in death by her parents, her three brothers John, Charles, and William; her sisters Pat McLaughin, Nancy Steever, and Sharon Briscoe.

She is survived by her husband and soul-mate Ronald Hillhouse, her three sons; Robert (Kendra) Dillon, Jonathan (Sam) of San Jacinto California and Jason (Shellie) of Dillon. Her step-mother Myrtle Wigen, 4 half-brothers; Andy, Jim, Mike and Kenny; and 3 half-sisters. Donna, Jenny, and Kristy, all of Dillon.

Her Grand Children Jacob (Tedeen), Zachary (Julia), Nathan (Rachel), all of Dillon; Jonathan Jr. (Amber) Katy Gimutao (Matt) of San Jacinto, California; Ashton Johnson and Jeremy Church, of Dillon and Shaun Church (Tara) of Whitehall, Montana. Great Grandchildren Zoey, Roman, Maisyn, Dominic, Jerimiah, Willow, Silas, Ivey, Oliver; and Madelyn.

Kaye will be remembered for her positive outlook on life and her ability to find humor in even the most difficult situations.

We will always cherish the memories and the spirit she leaves behind. Her journey wasn't always easy, but she made sure our lives were filled with moments of joy, laughter, and immense love. Something we are forever grateful for.

You will know she is watching over you, as she continues sending signs of her love; in the form of a colorful sunset, spring rain, the full moon over a Montana river, or pennies and dimes left behind for us to find.

Kaye will be cremated and a celebration of her life will be held November 1st beginning at 11 AM with a potluck lunch; at the Pipe Organ Fish House 14 miles south of Dillon. All friends and family are invited. Please call Shellie Johnson 406-660-1677 to coordinate dishes or get directions.