Cathleen Mita Oukrop, 86, Taylor, passed away on Sunday, February 27, 2022 at her home, surrounded by family. Cathleen’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Monday, March 7, 2022 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Dickinson with Fr. William Ruelle as celebrant. Entombment will take place at the Dickinson Mausoleum. Visitation will be on Sunday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson with a rosary and vigil at 7 p.m. with Deacon Ron Keller presiding.
Cathleen Mita Anton was born on May 15, 1935 to Christ K. and Katherine (Blasy) Anton in Lefor. She was the 11th of 14 children raised and educated in the Lefor area.
She was taught to work hard and do it well, which was reflected in the way she lived her life. Cathy had many fond memories of growing up and working and playing with her siblings, especially her sisters. They milked cows, tended garden and helped in the house. There was always, laughing, singing and playing accordion.
Cathleen met Victor Oukrop at a wedding dance in Gladstone. They were married October 5, 1954 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Dickinson. They made their home on his parents farm west of Taylor. They were blessed with two children. Allen was born in March 1956 and LaVonne was born and died in November 1957.
Cathleen spent her life being a farm wife and mother. She kept busy cooking wonderful meals and special goodies. She always kept her home clean and tidy. Cathleen loved to crochet, read and play cards She enjoyed being outdoors. Cathy spent many hours on her riding lawn mower, keeping her yard immaculate. She gardened, painted buildings and did whatever needed to be done. Cathleen loved nature and animals. Especially her cats, dogs and white charolais cattle. She raised chickens, sold eggs and cream, and helped with milking and calving.
She was a life-long member of Christian Mothers which resulted in many great friendships. Her birthday club get togethers were always a joy for her. Victor and Cathleen were blessed with many wonderful friends and neighbors over the years.
Grandma Cathy always loved seeing her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They brought a smile to her face and much joy. The grandchildren waited for holidays and meals at grandmas. They loved her tasty meals, especially her stuffing, rice and giblets, bake goodies and of course her Christmas Slush. Grandma loved to hear about the grandchildren’s adventures and took in many concerts and sporting events. She always reminded the kids they were in her prayers.
Cathleen saw good in all and loved to visit and laugh with the company around her. She made everyone feel welcome. She was caring, kind and generous to all. Victor and Cathleen had a very close and loving relationship. They were always together.
Mom was a devoted Catholic who lived her life through church and prayer. She prayed daily for family, friends and anyone in need. She was a strong advocate for the unborn.
Cathleen is survived by her husband of 67 years, Victor; son, Allen (Mary) Oukrop, Dickinson; four grandchildren, Derek Oukrop, Littleton, Colo., Brock (Dana) Oukrop, Bismarck, Chad (Chantel) Oukrop, Wasilla, Alaska, and Alison (Dane) Johnson, Plaza; five great-grandchildren, Daysia, Kiera and Journey Oukrop, Bismarck, Jade and Clark Johnson, Plaza; sister, Mary Ann (Don) Chantry, Rapid City, SD; sisters-in-law, Hattie Anton, Dickinson, Loretta Anton, Yuma, Ariz., Ann Oukrop, Rapid City; brothers-in-law, Tony Fichter and Louis Helfrich, both of Dickinson, and Elmer (Toni) Oukrop, Orlando, Fla.; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, LaVonne; her parents, Christ and Katie Anton; in-laws, Joseph and Mary Oukrop; siblings, Bertha Anton, Eleanor (Lester) Beaudoin, Helen (Wally) Beaudoin, Anna Helfrich, Pauline Fichter, Jeanette (Leo) Mischel, Appolonia Fichter, Albert (Antonia) Anton, Edward, George, Donald and Martin Anton; brothers-in-law, Bohumel Krehlik and Joe Oukrop.
