Kathy Mae Kaiser Obie

Kathy Mae Kaiser Obie, born on December 10, 1952 to Vern and Anne (Mehling) Kaiser, in Hardin, Montana, joyfully met Jesus on January 5, 2025, in Billings, Montana. When Kathy was born the family was completed, joining siblings Connie (Floyd) Graham, Karen (John) Nissley, and Kenny (Dianna) Kaiser. 

Kathy married Kenneth Obie, on February 26, 1972, with whom she shared a loving and faith-filled marriage until his passing on January 31, 1999. Together, they built a home centered on love and devotion to their family and faith. Kathy was a proud mother to their three children: Jennifer (Ryan) Lutey, Joshua Obie, and Jacob (Jaimee) Obie. Her life was further enriched by her beloved grandchildren: Alexander Obie, Carter Obie, Westin Lutey, Carson Lutey, and Landon Obie. In her later years, she found great joy and companionship with her dear sweetheart, Cecil Foster. 

Growing up in Hardin, Kathy made lifelong friends who appreciated her wild and comedic personality.  Kathy married Ken at the age of 19 and the two moved to Ekalaka, MT to farm. Jennifer was born in ‘74 and the family moved to Winifred, MT later that year to farm with Ken’s brother, Don Obie.  Josh was born in ’76 and Jake followed in ‘80. During the time in Winifred, the family was involved in school, church, the community and fishing at the nearby Missouri River. After some tough financial years in the ‘80’s Ken and Kathy heard God’s calling and moved the family to Whitewater in 1986.  

Kathy's life was a ministry of care and compassion. Alongside her husband Ken, she dedicated herself to nurturing children in need as foster parents and later through their work at the Northern Montana Youth Ranch group home. Their home was always open to nieces, nephews, exchange students, and others who lived with the Obies at different times.  Her heart for children extended to all aspects of her life; she found joy in church groups, teaching Bible school, leading 4-H activities, and crafting projects.  

After Ken died in 1999, Kathy moved to Billings, MT. Kathy owned a children’s clothing store there and loved working with her niece, Holly, and her grand-nieces, who were her favorite dress models. Kathy later worked for various retail stores and youth groups before retiring. 

Kathy struggled with depression, though you might never know it when talking to her. The years after Ken died were especially tough on her. Finally after 21 years a widow Kathy met Cecil Foster. The two were inseparable. Kathy became active and was living again. She would join him on early morning fishing trips, camping trips, grandkid activities, and relished their time at Harvest Church. 

Everyone who met Kathy knows her outgoing personality, love for kids, and her notoriously bad driving. They will each have a story to tell about their time with her. Her great sense of humor made for contagious laughter for everyone around her. She was a fun-loving aunt who proudly held the title of Crazy Aunt Kathy! A woman of steadfast faith and enduring love for her family, Kathy’s life reflected love, crazy fun, and her life-giving relationship with her Savior, Jesus Christ. 

Funeral service will be held Saturday January 11, 2025 at 11:30 AM at the Christ Evangelical and Reformed Church in Hardin. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery. A viewing was held Friday January 10th at Bullis Mortuary, 10:00AM to 2:00 PM.

Bullis Mortuary has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.