Catharine Strong

CATHARINE (Cathy) Ann Strong, 83, peacefully took up her walking stick and took her last walk here on earth October 18, 2017 at her daughters' home in Sheridan, WY. Cathy was born March 20, 1934 in Gillette, WY to Buron H. (Shorty) Willard, and Pauline (Marvel) Willard. Cathy, was the beloved wife of 59 years, to the late John Bernard Strong. Devoted mother to Ella Lopez (John), Sheridan, WY, John H. Strong (Carole), Casper, WY and Mary Lee (Ron), Boulder, WY., NJ and Florida. Doting Grandmother of Loya, Charles, John Thomas, John Paul, Christine, David and Jenny and loving Great Grandmother of twelve. Cathy is also survived by her brother Max Willard, Casper, WY, Sister, Flossy Black, Worland, WY, many cousins, nieces and nephews. Cathy loved to garden and grow her prized roses. She also loved to weed the garden and flower beds with her helpers, when child labor was legal, so she would tell us. Mom's words of encouragement, wisdom and comfort gave us something to pass down to others. She was a master cook in the kitchen; she believed in cooking every night for others who might just "show up" so left overs were abundant! Her favorite word was "GO!" Go she did. From hiking the Grand Canyon numerous times, to running the high rapids of the Colorado and Snake Rivers, trekking the Oregon Trail with her Oregon Trail buddies, walking the same streets Jesus walked, seeing the Pope, bathing in the Dead Sea (so she said), and driving their motor home to many destinations. Cathy will be remembered as the "Office Manager" for the deceased Dr. M.H. Ellbogen, an outstanding historian, a charming hostess, and always there to lend a hand. She loved her friends, antiques, art, her many fur babies and a good laugh. She was preceded in death by her parents, Shorty and Pauline Willard, her husband, John B. Strong, her Granddaughter, Loya Sucher, and her brother, Ed Willard. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, October 27, 2017 at 11:00 am at St. Patrick's Catholic Church with Father Tom Sheridan as Celebrant. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hospice of the Bighorns,1401 W 5th St, Sheridan, WY 82801 .

Service

Friday, October 27, 2017 11:00am

St. Patrick's Catholic Church

400 Country Club Road

Casper, WY 82609