Kay S. (Gallup) Peterson

Kathleen (Kay) S. Peterson, 76, of Cut Bank, passed away peacefully at her home, on June 2, 2023.

Her Vigil will be Sunday, June 11th at 6:00 P.M. at St. Margaret's Catholic Church in Cut Bank.  Funeral services will be Monday, June 12, 2023, at 10:00 A.M.  Interment will follow at Crown Hill Cemetery.

Kay saw beauty in everything around her.  Through storytelling, song, painting, photography, and poetry she was an artist at sharing that beauty with all around her.  Her gift of gab and special insights were woven into the banter of her life. An offer to play a hand of cribbage or pitch would always result in a smile, a twinkle, and a hearty "Yes".  A small pour of whiskey and the sound of cards shuffling seemed to dredge up some of the best, most colorful stories from her mind's collection.  Kay loved her family and saw it as her duty to pass down the stories of those before her to the next generation.  Anyone could be spellbound listening to Kay spin a yarn.  Her ability to connect with and expand the imaginations of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, grand-nieces, and nephews is a story unto itself.  Over long Montana drives, or cold, windy nights by the fire, she could captivate any audience. Kay was very devout in her faith and wanted to share her love of God with everyone. Her kindness and generosity extended to all creatures including her pets, ranging from an African Grey parrot, to fostering a raccoon cub, and as everyone knows her cats.

Kay was the fifth child born to Don and Sarah Gallup.  She was born in Conrad, MT on February 11, 1947, and graduated from Anacortes High School in Washington State. Kay married Darrell Peterson of Cut Bank on August 20, 1975. Darrell and Kay made their home and raised their family in Cut Bank. Kay was preceded in death by her parents, Don and Sarah Gallup, her sisters, Maxine Suta, Muriel McAlpine, Myrna Jones, and her brother Clint Gallup.

Kay is survived by her spouse and children:  Deby Daniels (Dave), Scott Peterson (Heather), Grant Peterson (Marilee), Nic Peterson (Christy), Steve Peterson (Chelsea), Dane Peterson (Jennifer), Michelle Russell (Jason), Gabe Peterson, Rayna Newbury (Jay) and Robert Peterson. She left this world with 17 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews that she loved and cherished.

Mom (Gummy, Grandma Great, Auntie), we love you and you are missed.