Cathleen Cline

Cathleen Cline, nee Skank, age 53, passed away from complications of Acute Myeloid Leukemia in Gilbert, Arizona on February 9, 2015 at the Banner Gateway Hospital surrounded by her loving family. Possessed of a determined, loving, intelligent, creative and caring nature, Cathy was good at finding the funny peccadilloes in life – telling “little Cathy” stories and jokes, she made fun with what life gave, “Laugh it up, fuzzballs!” Born in Ennis, Montana to David and Jynean Peterson Skank, Cathy grew up in McAllister, Montana where she enjoyed the wide open skies and countryside. Raised on a ranch, she was capable and talented – herding cattle on her horse Lancer. She won awards in 4H and was talented at sewing, drawing, and watercolor. She played percussion and piano in high school. She received her Associates at Rick’s College before serving an 18mo mission in San Diego, California. A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, she married Christopher Cline, her surviving husband in the SLC, Utah temple. A dedicated wife, daughter, and mother, she raised her four surviving “chickadees”—Zarissa, Greg, Emily, and Megan – homeschooling them many years and ensuring they all played an instrument while moving to a total of 11 different houses in 6 states across the U.S. during her marriage. She stayed close with her parents and sister Stacey (surviving) and brother Jeff (surviving) in Montana. Making every house a home with her care, laughter and love, she taught her children to take care of themselves physically and spiritually. Cathy’s focus in life was on being close to God and with her family.  She was active in church; she was a cub scout Den Mother, Primary President, Relief Society counselor, and Achievement Days leader. She always took time to listen and care for others despite becoming increasingly ill for 14 years. She underwent two stem cell transplants, frequent blood transfusions, and multiple bouts of chemotherapy. Cathy studied constantly – a voracious reader her whole life, “Oooh, interesting!” was a common phrase. With two green thumbs, every house had potted plants and a garden. Flowers, sunsets, nature’s creatures and beauties were her special delight. Devoted, she loved fiercely and gave all.

Thanks and love to family, friends, neighbors, doctors, and nurses who gave so much service and joy during her life, and especially her mother Jynean, who stayed with Cathy for months at a time throughout her illness.