Stella M Kratofil

Our dear mother, Stella Kratofil, went to her heavenly home on Monday, May 9, 2022. She was 91. She had spent a wonderful Mother’s Day with her four children and their spouses the day before enjoying dinner, telling stories and just being together. Stella was born December 11, 1930 to John Howard and Mabel (Overturf) Cornish in Hamilton, MT. She was the 7th of 8 children.  Her father died when she was two years old, and her mother became the sole support of the seven children and a baby brother who was born just a few months later.

Stella grew up in Hamilton and graduated from Hamilton High School in 1948. She was a senior in high school when she met her future husband, Eddie Kratofil, the love of her life. He followed her to Montana State College, and they were married a year later in September of 1949.  They stayed in Bozeman for a few years working and starting their family until they moved to Spokane in 1956.  They bought their first and only home in the Shadle area welcoming their son a few years later. Until 1975 Stella was a homemaker and then became a caregiver for many years at St. Anne’s Infant Home, where she lovingly cared for special needs children.  After retirement she and Eddie spent summers at their mountain cabin in Montana, entertaining many family and friends over the years and creating wonderful memories.  Stella was willing to help anyone who needed advice, a shoulder to cry on or just someone to listen. She was also the keeper of the family history leaving a legacy that will continue through generations to come.

Stella was predeceased by Eddie in 2013 and her grandson, Chris Justice, in 2021 and all seven of her siblings, Vivian, Luella, Charlie, John, Bob, Jim and Howard.  She is survived by her children Diana (Terry) Justice, Carol (Steve) Boileau, Sharon (Bob) Mellis all of Spokane and Mike (Leanne) Kratofil of Florida and Montana.  She leaves nine grandchildren, Sandy, David, Andrew, Katie, Mike, Justin, Amanda, Luke and Keely, 21 great grandchildren and two due in the fall and five great great grandchildren.

We would like to thank the wonderful staff at Riverview Retirement Community for their exceptional care and support for the last three years.

Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, May 28, at noon at St. Charles Church, 4515 N Alberta 99205 with a luncheon reception following at Riverview Retirement Community at 1801 E Upriver Dr. 99207.  Graveside services will be held in Hamilton, MT at the Riverview Cemetery on June 17.  Donations in Stella’s name can be made to St. Charles Parish or the Riverview Foundation at the above addresses.

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