Catherine Susan Montognese Crosby was born on August 12, 1929, and died peacefully, with family, on the morning of January 11, 2025, at Walnut Ridge Care Center in Clive, Iowa. She is survived by her daughters Kelley (Scott) Fetters, Kristin (Christopher) McCullough, granddaughter Ashlee Fetters (Michael Phillips), sister Annie Sterrett, sister-in-law Barbara Crosby, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim. She was also preceded in death by her parents, and siblings Carmella, Frank, Frances, Mary, Theresa, and Tony; brother-in-law Bob Crosby; niece Johanna Rieck and great nephew Kyle Ernst.
Cathy and Jim were co-founders and publishers of The Valley Shopper and eventually purchased the Westside Shopper. She was an active member of the West Des Moines community and appreciated their “buy local” support of the business. She was a member of the Mercy Hospital Guild, the West Des Moines Historical Society, Lincoln High School Alumni Association, and the West Des Moines Friends Library Foundation. She was a member of Lutheran Church of Hope and a proud resident of the Walnut Ridge Senior Living Community (Presbyterian Homes) first living independently, then with assistance, and most recently at the care center.
Cathy was always on the move, both physically and with her quick wit. She always had a story or joke to tell. She never missed an opportunity to offer a compliment and felt great joy in doing so. She wrote her own jokes and even trademarked clever slogans. She loved to talk and share her advice and lessons learned with everyone she met. Cathy became a faithful sports fan and a cheerleader for many. For those that knew Cathy, she asked that we take this opportunity to thank you all for being the “dash” between her life and her death.
We will honor Cathy in a Celebration of Life on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, from 2-4 PM. Please join us at 2:15 pm for a community prayer, and feel free to come and go for storytelling, laughs, and refreshments following. Walnut Ridge Senior Living, 1701 Campus Drive, Clive, Iowa, 50325. Parking is located in front of the center with a convenient covered drop-off, if needed. Enter the facility (the larger building on the left) and follow signs to the Harriet Nelson room.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Cathy’s name to any of the following, all dear to Cathy.
Kyle Ernst Foundation: c/o Ann Crosby Ernst, 14278 W 157th St, Olathe, KS 66062
Walnut Ridge Senior Living: 1701 Campus Drive, Clive, IA 50325
Hospice of the Midwest: 9249 Northpark Drive, Johnston, IA 50131
West Des Moines Library, Adult Reference Desk: 4000 Mills Civic Pkwy. WDM, IA 50265