Mary Kay Byorth

Mary Kay McEacheron Cate Byorth passed away on May 5, 2024, surrounded by loved ones after sharing her wisdom, love, spirituality, and humor with numerous friends and family, who will continue to share her positive attitude, loving qualities and kindness.

Born to Jack and Evelyn McEacheron on July 27, 1943, Mary Kay was born and raised in Helena, Montana. She attended Jefferson Elementary, Helena Jr. High, and Helena High School where she was a Bengalette Dance Team member and honor student. While in high school her adventurous spirit began as an exchange student to Germany where she learned the different customs, cultures, the language, and how to swear in German. She returned with an appreciation for learning about other parts of the world and would continue to nurture that love of travel.

After graduating from Helena High in 1961, she attended Montana State University (now UM), was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education in 1965 (and somehow never took the mandatory swimming test required for graduation.)

While in Missoula, Mary Kay met Jerry Cate to whom she was married in June, 1966, at St. Helena's Cathedral. Upon moving to Billings, Mary Kay taught English and history at West High for two years where her long legs during the mini skirt era proved to increase the popularity of her classes. Shortly after they began their family with the births of Kristin and Shannon. In 1977, the family moved to Montana City where they resided on beautiful, wildflower-filled Saddle Mountain. After a trip to Czechoslovakia, they were delighted to welcome the addition of their third daughter Sara, in 1980.

Mary Kay returned to education and eventually moved back to Billings to work at Lockwood Junior High and Castle Rock Middle School where she taught English and history for 15 years (1984-1999) while shaping young minds, educating children and adults alike and, of course, making friends in the profession that she dearly loved. Some of her best smiles and biggest laughs came when she watched her children and her grandkids correct each other's grammar as she had corrected theirs.

A new chapter of her life began in 1988 as she began dating the love of her life, Dr. Patrick Byorth, her knight in shining armor. After dating for years and enjoying numerous large blended-family holidays and events, Pat proposed, and they were married on July 2, 1993, at St. Thomas Church in Billings. As an only child she was beside herself with joy to inherit seven beautiful children: Susan, Paul, Patrick, Cece, Karen, Peter and John. Together Mary Kay and Pat spread love and laughter wherever they went! They gardened, traveled, and shared their love of family and the importance of their faith, all while cheering-on their ever-growing family of ten children.

Mary Kay loved being involved with her children's and grandchildren's many events and activities. Whether at Central Catholic school events, concerts, plays, graduations, or weddings, she could be found beaming with pride and love. Always with an open door to others, she and Pat filled their home with laughter, love and a true sense of spirit. She was an amazing role model and felt deeply that being kind to others was the best way to start, develop, and mend any relationship.

She was an incredibly spiritual person, always growing in her faith. She loved being involved in the Cursillo movement in both the Billings and Helena Diocese. She was active in the Catholic Church as a Lector and a Eucharistic Minister, served on the Parish Council and the Social Justice committee, and was a part of St. Elizabeth's Circle. Bringing the body of Christ to people unable to attend church or services brought her true joy and was a service she was grateful for after suffering her own stroke.

Mary Kay enjoyed traveling to see her daughters in Bozeman, Missoula, Costa Rica and Hawaii. Pat's and Mary Kay's love of travel took them on cruises to the Caribbean and Alaska, along with expeditions to England, Spain, Italy, Mexico, the Holy Land, and a cherished trip to Ireland led by son-in-law, Murphy Fox. Together they shared endless miles road tripping and visiting family and friends.

Adventure ran deep in Mary Kay's spirit. These triumphs included skydiving, hang gliding, hot air ballooning, white water rafting on the Clark Fork, tubing and cliff jumping on the Stillwater, riding camels, para-sailing and swimming with dolphins—all often to Pat's astonishment.

Her positive outlook on life, gratitude, and the importance of kindness she learned from her mother; Mary Kay never considered herself lucky to have family or great adventures. She was blessed. In 2016 Mary Kay suffered a debilitating stroke, and the outpouring of love, respect and support from family, friends and her beloved Pat, made her last years ones of survival, strength and grace. Always a lady at heart, her inability to continue life as an adventurous spirit never diminished her love, humor and elegance. Blessings go out to all the staff, family and friends who helped her survive with dignity and grace, especially her husband whose love carried her beyond her inabilities.

With ten adult children, 27 grandchildren, great-grandchildren and numerous “extra” family”, Mary Kay shared her generosity, graciousness, spirituality, humor and love, touching many lives. Grandma's Rules of “Be Kind, Be Kind, Be Kind.” will be remembered by her family and shared with future generations.

Mary Kay is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, John Patrick Byorth, and son-in-law Murphy Fox. She is survived by her daughters Kristin and Guy Kailey, grandson Keven and granddaughter Kendra; daughter Shannon and Brian Schweyen and granddaughters Jordyn, Shelby, and Sheridan; daughter Sara Cate; daughter Susan Byorth Fox and grandsons Jed, Conor, Brendan and Brian Fox, and reunited grandchildren Kevin and Saundra; son Paul and Rhoda Byorth, grandsons Ian, Jesse, Paul Caleb, and Joseph, granddaughter Annie; son Patrick and Susan Dejmal Byorth, grandsons Patrick Teagan and Conor; daughter Cece and Dave Padon, granddaughters Madie, Caitlin, and Mia, grandsons Sean and Jack; daughter Karen Byorth; son Peter and Pamela Melius Byorth, granddaughter Rosemary and grandson Benjamin; son John Byorth and Bridget Kelly and her daughter Fionn; great-grandsons and great-granddaughter, her namesake Ida Kay Padon Moore.

A Vigil and rosary service will be held at 6:00pm at Dahl Funeral Chapel on Thursday night, with a Celebration of Life funeral mass on Friday May 17th at 10:00 am at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic church. Because of Mary Kay's bright personality, she asks that loved ones wear colorful attire to her service to celebrate an amazing lady who had a wonderful and full life. In place of flowers donations can be made to Tumbleweed Inc., YWCA Gateway House, or Angela's Piazza.