Catherine Jean McCaffery

Catherine Jean McCaffery, 94 passed away December 2, 2020 at the home of her son and daughter-in-law Mike and Colleen McCaffery. Catherine was born in Moscow, Idaho January 6, 1926 to DeMoin and Dora Gilchrist and lived in Genesee, Idaho until moving to Colfax, Washington at the age of 1.

She graduated from Colfax High School in 1944 from Washington State College in 1948 with a degree in Home Economics. She taught high school home economics in Davenport where she met and married the love of her life Gerald F. McCaffery. They moved from Davenport to Ritzville where she continued to work as a substitute teacher. They built their home and lived there for 50 years.

Catherine was an active member of the Ritzville Methodist Church and often played piano for services. She was a 50 year member of the Order of the Eastern Star, holding the title of Worthy Matron.

After her husband’s death in 2005, she remained in Ritzville until 2014 when she moved to Orchard Crest Retirement home in Spokane Valley where many of her past Ritzville friends resided and where she met some of her best friends in life. She loved playing the piano for church services, participating in Wii bowling tournaments, swimming and shopping. She moved to the South Hill Village in order to be closer to her son Mike’s family and moved into their home in July of 2020 due to the pandemic. These past few months were precious times of sharing with the entire family.

Catherine is survived by her son, Michael D. McCaffery, daughter- in –law, Colleen as well as her grandchildren: Janelle Carlson, Wenatchee; Jeff Carlson (Megan), Cashmere; Kelly McCaffery, Spokane; Kimber Hunter (Taylor), Spokane; and Kasey Griffith, Spokane.

Great-grandchildren include: Michael Ervin, Maleke McCaffery, Kobe and Eli Hunter, Piper and Oliver Griffith, Mac and Ryder Carlson, Darius and Daeja Carlson.

Catherine was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald McCaffery, beloved daughter, Janice Goodman, brothers: DeMoine Jr., Robert and Gerald Gilchrist.

The service will be held Monday December 14th at 1PM at Danekas funeral home, 207 E Main, Ritzville, Wa 99169. There will be viewing Friday Dec 11th from 9am to 5 pm open to the public. A viewing will also be held on December 14th at 9:00 am to 12:30 pm prior to service.

Due to the current requirements we are limited to the number of guests we can have at the service. Therefore this service will be for immediate family only. Masks will be required and we will practice social distancing in the chapel. Thank you for your understanding.

We will be planning a celebration of life later in the summer where we can include friends and family. If you have any questions or concerns please call Colleen at 509-939-4103.