Catherine Louise Bristol

Born a coal miner’s daughter on October 6, 1929 in Rifle, Colorado to Claude M. and Irma C. Millsap, Catherine (Katie) went attend school Grand Valley, CO, Avon Minturn, CO Oak Creek, CO. Her family moved Junction, 1946, where she graduated from Junction High School 1947 at the age of 16. She played local fastpitch softball teams between 1950, was proud member catcher) City Champions, “P.H. Owen Gals”, 1949.

After she graduated worked at CC Anderson and Ringsby Truck Line. In 1950 joined the Brethern Volunteer Service, spending 2 months Church World Service in New Windsor, Maryland. month training was over, chose as her project Federal Prison for Women Alderson, West Virginia. The next 10 were spent working with inmates officers. There met infamous “Tokyo Rose”.

In June, 1951, she returned to Grand Junction and worked for Montgomery Ward a short time. 1952 started her long career with City Market. She in accounting, employment training, labor relations, until retiring 1996.

She married Roscoe Bristol in 1957. To this union, Jeanne L. was born 1959, and Paul G. 1964. The marriage ended 1977.

She had many interests, including being involved with Jeanne’s horse and 4-H projects, Paul’s baseball, football other related sports. loved to fish, hunt, read was a loyal Colorado Rockies Baseball fan! Over the years she deeply her dogs (Frisky, Sally, Babe, Millie), volunteered at Roice Hurst Humane Society after retired.

Preceding her in death were parents; brothers Cecil and Jerry Sisson; sisters Ida Vitgenos Hansen Evelyn Kamakaris Thompson; nephews, Tony Pete Jr; niece, Peggy Vine, ex-husband Rock Bristol.

She is survived by her children, Jeanne Bristol Shaffer (Kent), and Paul Lori); Grandchildren, Laura Rhodes Kyle), Kyle Taniesha), Kelsey Andrew Whitmore; Great Grand Briar Gonzalez, Lyndee Shaffer, Scarlett Sydney Whitmore.

Her friends to the end, Peggy Gilmore and Ruth Crumrine, her nephew Bob Vine, “son from another mother”, Roger Basinger, will forever hold a very special place in heart.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to the amazing staff at LaVilla Grande Care Center. Their compassion toward our mother and her family will always be deeply appreciated.

A Celebration of Life will be held this summer at one her favorite fishin’ holes. Memorial donations to Roice Hurst Humane Society or an Animal Rescue your choice would much appreciated.

From her son, Paul: “My mother accepted Jesus Christ as Savior a teenager, and He was undeniably with in final moment. Our conversations (ok, my soapbox sermons!) toward the end of mortal leg journey were often about assurance having nothing to fear, for eternity will be glorious beyond imagination. This ”delivered” me from Above day prior passing:

Katie Bristol, “The Catcher”

Behind that “home plate of righteousness”, she lived her life as “the catcher”. Adorning the “shin guards of resilience”, the “chest protector of courage”, the “face mask of moral clarity”, and the “catchers mitt of kindness”, she steadfastly positioned herself in front of the “chief umpire of life”, our mighty God. She endured many errant “balls in the dirt” (breast cancer, esophageal cancer, heart attack, multiple back surgeries, and an aneurysm) in her 94 years, persevering through all that life threw at her, and always keeping every “wild pitch” in front her, and in play. Solid in her receivership, and never did she “argue with the umpire”. The past year she exhibited the wear and tear of her “life behind the plate”, but ever refusing to come out of the game. Here at the end, for all nine innings, she ruled that catchers box.

Her game is now complete. Our “umpire in chief” took off his mask, kneeled down in front of her, and face to face, He graced her with these words. “You have caught an excellent game, My child. Now it’s time to peacefully take off the gear, for you have left your heart on this great field. Take that final jog around these

mortal bases, and when you round 3rd, there will be a glorious celebration waiting with all of your “teammates” who have gone before you, gathered there at the plate. Rest easy and “touch em all” , my dear soul, for My Son Jesus is here to bring you on Home”……

You will always be our hero and our champion....