Mary Catherine Gahafer "Sis' Tyler, 89

Mary Catherine Gahafer "Sis' Tyler, 89, beloved mother and grandmother, died peacefully, Thursday, April 30, 2009, at her home in Hungry Horse. Her death resulted from injuries sustained in a fall.

Mary was born Jan. 13 (or 14, depending on the source) 1920, in Louisville, Ky., the oldest of nine sisters and brothers.

She is survived by two of her six children, William "Mike" Tyler Sr., her youngest son, and Mary Catherine Tyler, her only daughter and youngest child; Her surviving younger sisters, Alma Fortner and Barbara Ann Searcy, live in Louisville. She also leaves behind approximately 12 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George Gahafer and Mary Hattie Waddel; her husband, Robert Lee Tyler; and four of their children, Robert Lee Jr., Samuel Joseph, James Douglas and George Edward.

Mary led a very full life and was the matriarch of her extended family. Everyone who knew her loved her. She made friends easily and they all kept in touch with her over the years. She was "Sis' to her family and "grandma" to everyone else.

Mary died in comfort in her own home, surrounded by those who loved her. She was a remarkable woman and will be sorely missed by those who knew her. No services will be held.