Catherine Moseley Elsey

Catherine Moseley Elsey, a loving wife, devoted mother, and beloved grandmother, passed away on April 29, 2026, at the age of 85. She was born on March 7, 1941, in Charleston, South Carolina, to Hazle and Margaret Moseley, the youngest of their three children. After Hazle’s untimely passing in 1942, Margaret later married Leroy Heissenbuttle, and together they added twin sons to the family.

Catherine grew up in Charleston, and attended Bishop England High School, where she met the love of her life – John Elsey. She graduated in 1960, and one year later, they were married. Together, they built a life centered on family, welcoming three daughters: Cathy in 1962, Carolyn in 1963, and Christy in 1970.

While raising her family, Catherine devoted herself to her passion for crafting, especially quilting and sewing. Her love was stitched into every piece she created, especially for her family, whom she made quilts for to mark life’s special moments. In the 1990s, Catherine and John moved to Saudi Arabia for his work with Exxon. The two embraced their three years abroad, traveling extensively throughout the region and cherishing their experience as expatriates in the Middle East. When John retired, he brought them to Billings, where they fell in love with the community and the beauty around them.

As some crafts, like needlework, became more difficult due to her advancing arthritis, Catherine tried her hand at all sorts of creative pursuits. She remained deeply involved in her church community, always eager to lend a hand and bring people together. She was known for her generous heart, her lively spirit, and a touch of sass that endeared her to those who knew her best. Her energy and warmth were the foundation of her family, and her presence will be deeply missed.

Catherine was preceded in death by her parents; her older brother, Hazle Jr.; her older sister, Margaret; and her younger brother, Ray. She is survived by her brother, Roy Heissenbuttle (Donna); her daughters, Cathy Nicholson, Carolyn Elsey, and Christy Ros (Paulo); and her four granddaughters, Ashley Nicholson, Alissa Nicholson, Joanna Ros, and Natalie Ros. She also leaves behind a network of friends across the many places she called home, including Kingwood, TX, and Billings.

If you'd like to donate in Catherine's memory, a donation to the Arthritis Foundation (www.arthritis.org) would help other patients facing the same arthritis challenges as Catherine did. Her legacy lives on in the family she nurtured, the traditions she created, and the love she shared.

Public visitation will be 11 AM to noon Wednesday at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary. A funeral service will be held 3 PM Wed at Billings Church of Christ.

To leave condolence for the family please visit www.michelottisawyers.com