Catherine Grice Horton

Catherine Grice Horton

March 3, 1930 to July 23, 2021

Catherine was born on a small farm just outside Greenfield, Ohio, the third daughter of Roland and Martha Grice. Although born Catherine, she went by many names: Kate, Katie, Katy Jane, Cathy and of course Mom and Grandma.

She attended McClain High School where she was a cheerleader, member of the band and a Homecoming Queen. Throughout her life she loved music and played both the piano and the accordion and sang in many church choirs. She had the amazing ability to play just about any song on the piano, without music, and was often the ringleader of many sing-alongs. After high school she visited her sister in San Diego, California, where she met her future husband Robert Horton, originally from Sioux Falls, South Dakota. They married in 1951 and their son Daniel was born in 1953, followed by Thomas (’55) and Gloria (’58).

In 1954 they moved to Seattle where they raised their family in the Seward Park area, retiring to West Seattle in 1980. Her career included jobs with the FBI and the Seattle Visitor’s Bureau. Bob and Cathy were very active in Mt. Baker Presbyterian Church for many years and enjoyed friendships and great camaraderie that lasted a lifetime.

Besides music, Cathy enjoyed painting, traveling, cooking, practical jokes, playing with the grandkids and hosting large family gatherings at their house overlooking Elliott Bay and the downtown Seattle skyline.

She was preceded in death by her sisters Alice Jean and Martha Lou and by her brother Daniel; she is survived by sisters Ruth Ann and Sue Etta. Kate’s children blessed her with eight grandchildren: Dan (Robin)-- Daniel, John, Rachael; Tom (Lisa) --Charles, Laura, Ellen; Gloria (Peter) -- Michael and Joshua. She enjoyed seven great-grandchildren: Anabelle, Harrison, Annika , Iris; Maximiano, Miguel and Maria. She is also survived by her loving husband of almost 70 years, Bob, aged 97, who still lives in the family house overlooking the city. The whole family will miss Katy’s infectious laughs and smiles, her spontaneity, quick wit and the joy she brought to everyone she met.

She was our bright star.

A Memorial Service will be held for family and friends at Salty’s in West Seattle on September 18th.

Share memories and photos of Catherine on the Tribute Wall, located above.

Arrangements Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services