Katheryn Peden

‘Topper' Katheryn (Ward) Peden Katheryn Frances (Ward) Peden passed away August 2, 2014 in Billings, Montana. She was born Dec. 1, 1916 to Fred and Edith Ward. She was the first baby born in Brockway, Montana. Most knew her as ‘Kay' but close friends and family called her ‘Topper', a pet name dubbed by her father. Her only brother, George, was six years younger. Her family lived in many cities throughout Montana while her father was a school superintendent. Her fondest school memories were of her friends and escapades in Thompson Falls. After buying the Meagher County News, they settled in White Sulphur Springs. On Nov. 7, 1936, Topper married Roy ‘Squint' Peden. They had two children, Sherry and Donn. They also raised Topper's nephew, Michael Ward, as their own son. Roy was routinely transferred in his job with Mountain Bell. After living in Billings and Helena, Topper fell in love with Bozeman and made it their final home. She lived 50 years in the same house. Being a very good bowler, Topper won several trophies in her day. She graduated high school at 16 and was an avid reader her entire life. She was a regular at bingo in later years. She had a wonderful sense of humor which will be sorely missed by her family. Preceding her in death are Topper's parents Fred and Edith Ward, her brother George Ward, and her husband Roy. And, at 98 years old, pretty much all her friends went before her as well. She wasn't very happy about being left behind to hold down the fort! Topper is survived by her daughter Sherry (Peden) Dietrich and husband Craig of Pownal, Maine; her son Donn Peden and wife Julianne of Billings; her nephew Michael Ward and wife Margaret of Costa Mesa, California; and, her niece Carol Ward of Star, Idaho. Her three grandchildren are Cari (Peden) Adamek and husband Jim of Billings; Mark Peden of Billings; and, Diana (Dietrich) Bradway and husband Bobby of Stowe, Massachusetts. She has five great-grandchildren and four great-great-granddaughters. Topper also has two friends that have been as dear to her as family — Shelley Hinch of Manhattan and Cheryl Baker of Bozeman. Graveside services for Topper will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, August 8 at Mayn Cemetery in White Sulphur Springs. Arrangements are in the care of Dahl Funeral Chapel of Billings and memories may be shared with the family at www.dahlfuneralchapel.com