Catherine "Cathy" (Peila) Tracy

Stevensville - Catherine “Cathy” Tracy, 84, entered the gates of Heaven from her home in Stevensville, Montana, on June 25, 2025. She was born on November 3, 1940, in Denver, Colorado, to John and Alta Peila.

Cathy’s life was beautifully centered around her faith in the Lord, her family, her love of horses, and the great outdoors. During her junior year of high school, she moved with her parents to Miles City, MT, where she attended Sacred Heart High School. She later met the love of her life, Topper Tracy, while attending Carroll College. The two were married on August 13, 1960.

Cathy’s passion for horses quickly spread to Topper, and the family spent many spring and summer seasons traveling to racetracks across the country. For 25 years, Cathy and Topper shared their enthusiasm with the world by publishing The Racing Journal magazine.

In 1991, Cathy and Topper made their home in the beautiful Bitterroot Valley, settling in Stevensville. There, Cathy enjoyed cheering on her grandchildren at basketball, football, rodeo, and soccer games. Together, Cathy and Topper built a large and loving family—7 children. Cathy was an extraordinary mother, wife, and grandmother. With 19 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, she wore her titles with immense pride and joy. Family was everything to her. She poured her energy, her heart, and her time into nurturing unbreakable bonds that will live on for generations. Every summer, she and Dad would welcome a whirlwind of grandkids—sometimes as many as twelve at once—into their home, giving the parents a break and the kids an unforgettable childhood. Those summers were filled with adventure: camping trips, horseback rides, fishing, boating, and ice cream runs through the refuge, where the lucky grandkids got to take the wheel under her watchful, trusting eye. It wasn’t chaos—it was her joy. Instead of elaborate vacations she planned her entire year around those weeks, and it showed. The bonds forged during those magical summers became some of the strongest in our family. Her home wasn’t just a house; it was a haven of love, laughter, and connection.

Cathy’s love of life was evident in everything she did. She rode horses with friends and the Saddle Tramps well into her late 70s, only stopping when caring for Dad took priority—because, above all else, she was devoted. She never said no a side by side ride, drive to the refuge or Bison range or a scenic drive through the valley, where every road held a memory. She and Dad made a point to drive them all together.

Cathy’s faith was a guiding light throughout her life. She was a devoted member of St. Mary’s Parish in Stevensville. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Topper; her son, Ray; and her daughter, Lisa.

She is survived by: Daughter-in-law Sherri (Ray) of Bondurant, IA, Sons: Greg (Debra) of Albuquerque, NM; Jimmy of Youngstown, OH, Son-in-law Tim Harder (Lisa) of Enumclaw, WA, Daughters: Liz (Zack) Camel of Polson, MT; Rita of Henderson, NV; Jennifer (Kevin) Schultz of Stevensville, MT Grandchildren: Ashlee (Mike), Tanner (Erin), Jake, Caitlin (Chad), Blakele, Geena (Dean), Jaslyn (Ryan), Baylee, Raegan (Wyatt), Zachary, Christopher (Hannah), Brianne, Ryanne (Chase), Savannah, Isaac, Alicia, Rowen, Anthony, and Cody. Great-grandchildren: Tyson, Kylynn, EmmaLisa, Racin, Tatum, Caleb, Ryden, Aspen, Tyson, Quinton, Brix, Charlie, Hazel, Caleb, and Gracie. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law: Dotsie Monaco of Anaconda, MT, and Ginger (Terry) McNally of Denver, CO, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

Cathy’s legacy of faith, family, and wholehearted living will continue to bless generations to come. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

A rosary will be recited on Monday, June 30, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. at the Whitesitt Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at 12:00 P.M. noon at St. Mary's Parish. The family suggests that memorial donations may be made in Cathy's name to Chicks n Chaps at Chicksnchaps.org.  Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.

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