Kathleen McGrath, 76

Kathleen McGrath, 76, was born in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, on July 18, 1949, to John “Jack” and Lois McGrath. Her family lived in New Jersey until she was seven, when they moved to California for the nicer weather, to explore the coast, and experience the joy of life. She passed away peacefully on June 3, 2026, after a battle with dementia.

Kathy lived in Southern California for 25 years. She very much embraced the “California Girl” lifestyle — going to the beach with her siblings, Jack, Joanne and Pat as much as she could and enjoying the best that California had to offer. She married Scott Larkin in 1973, and their son Scott was born in 1976. After Kathy and Scott separated, Kathy went to visit her brother Jack and his friend Doug Rommereim in Montana in the early 1980s, where she fell in love with Doug as well as the area. She and Scottie packed up, moved north, and never looked back. In 1982, Kathy married Doug, and their daughter, Katie, joined the family in 1983. Together, they bought the Great Northern Bar & Grill and grew it to what it is today. This became a family business as the kids grew up and worked there as well. Later in life, Kathy found her forever partner, Mike Conkling. Along with Mike, Kathy gained two bonus kids, Jen and Dan. Conk lovingly referred to her as “Saint Kathy of Kalispell Avenue,” and nothing could be more true. They enjoyed many adventures, the best ones being traveling to Hawaii to soak up the warmth and swim with the turtles. She loved every soul she met and had lifelong friendships with so many.

Nothing meant more to Kathy than her family. Any chance she had, she was showing up to everything for her kids and eventually her grandkids. Nana Kathy will forever hold a special place in the kids' hearts. They will always remember her having the best pancakes, snacks, cookies and candy — and how it all was hidden from Papa Mike so he wouldn’t steal it. She was also ecstatic to share her love of Disneyland and California with them, taking them on adventures to the beach and ending with a day at the Magic Kingdom.

Kathy spent her last few weeks being celebrated with many of her closest friends and family. There were many stories told, laughs had, and toasting to a life well lived.

Kathy is preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Lois McGrath and her brother, Jack McGrath. 

Kathy is survived by a very honored family including her brother Pat (Kathy), sister Joanne, children: Scott (Stefanie), Katie (Josh), Jen and Dan (Dani) and the ones who lovingly referred to her as “Nana”: Tyler, Will, Hayden, Anna, Wyatt, Vivian, Inessa, Maxwell and Calvin, along with many extended family members and close friends.

There is truly not another person like her. While we all miss her deeply, we are relieved she is out of pain and now sitting on the beach watching Jack surf while digging her toes in the sand with Mike.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Shepherd’s Hand Clinic. Kathy volunteered there in the beginning and always loved the cause.

Please join us in celebrating the life of one of the best on June 22, at the Great Northern Bar from 3-6 p.m.

To send online condolences, please visit austinfh.com. Austin Funeral & Cremation Services in Whitefish is caring for the family.