Kathie Ann Mereness

On Sunday, November 30th, Kathie Ann Mereness passed away at her home in Chinook after a 25-year battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis. Kathie was born on January 22, 1950, to Harry Steinmetz Sr and Jean Steinmetz in Hardin Montana. It was in Hardin that she met Charles [Chuck] Mereness and they were married in 1969 and began a 56-year journey. To them were born three children Kelly in 1975, Casey in 1978, and Michael in 1984. Her children were the light of her life as they grew into fine adults and made her happy and proud.

Prior to moving to Chinook they lived in Great Falls and Butte where she worked as a licensed realtor, tax preparer and some retail jobs. She and her family moved to Chinook in 1985 when they purchased the local IGA store. Kathie helped with the store bookkeeping while holding full time jobs first at Mary McLean's State Farm Insurance office and then later with Dr. Obie and finally at the Sweet Medical Center [now One Health] until health forced her retirement in 2017.

Kathie only had two seasons, Christmas and flowers. Her hand painted ceramic scenes adorned nearly the entire interior, and the exterior was lit with lights and decorations. One of her notable ceramic displays was a hand painted display of Santas as imagined down through history. Summer was all about the hundreds of flowers that adorned her backyard all meticulously nurtured and maintained.

She is survived by her husband Chuck and three children and their families Kelly [Nick] Warburton of Chinook, Casey Mereness of Minneapolis Mn, Michael [Katelyn] Mereness of Mound Mn. and seven grandchildren Shelbie [Andy] Moore, Shannon [Riley] Conway, Kennedy Mereness, Lexi [Brad] Bender, Gracie Warburton, Trevin Warburton and Evelynn Mereness plus her loveable furball Mowgli. Siblings George [Marlene] Steinmetz and Harry Steinmetz Jr plus nieces and nephews Oly Steinmetz, Krisi [David) McNight, and Nick Steinmetz.

Preceded in death are parents Harry Sr and Jean Steinmetz, Russell Steinmetz [brother], Sara Steinmetz [sister], Vicki Steinmetz [niece], Amanda Raines [grandmother] and numerous aunts and uncles.

Funeral services will be held at the Chinook Alliance Church on December 22, 2025 at 1:00 pm.

A luncheon will be served immediately following the service