In Loving Memory of Catherine Anne Gott

Catherine Anne Gott October 20, 1939 – November 7, 2022

In the early hours of November 7, Catherine Anne Gott entered into eternal rest at her home in Wailua, HI. At her side was her husband of sixty-four years, Charles “Dick” Gott.

Catherine was born October 20, 1939, to Fred A. Colby and Eileen (Beaty) Colby in Trinidad, CO. She spent her childhood in Raton, NM, and graduated in the RHS class of 1957. She attended Oklahoma State University.

Catherine married Dick Gott in July 1958. They welcomed one son, Michael, and two daughters, Cynthia and Janis, in the few years following. In 1966, Dick and Catherine returned to Raton to raise their family. They owned and operated Raton American Parts (later Carquest Raton) for 35 years.

During her tenure as the owner and CFO of Raton American Parts, Catherine was active in the local and state Business and Professional Women’s club. She served two terms as the State President of New Mexico BPW, first in 1986 and again in 1993. She encouraged and inspired women in her community and across the state, and she proudly represented the state of New Mexico in the national organization. She was also a longtime member of the League of Women Voters.

Her faith in Christ was deep and steadfast. Catherine was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Raton. She was a vital part of the music ministry as an organist, and she served many terms over the years in the church session.

In the years following their retirement in 2001, Catherine and Dick made their home on Kauai. She shared her musical talents with the community of the Church of the Pacific in Princeville as a pianist for many years. She was also an avid quilter, and she enjoyed her associations in the Kauai quilting community and her membership in the Kauai Quilt Guild.

The family was the most important part of Catherine’s life. She loved to travel, and many of her trips took her visiting her three children, ten grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

Catherine is survived by her husband, Charles, of Wailua, HI, son Michael (Cindy) Gott of La Veta, CO, daughter, Janis (Daryl) Hild, of Colorado Springs, CO, brother, Robert (Roni) Colby, of Platteville, CO, and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Cynthia Gott-French, her parents, Fred and Eileen Colby, and two brothers, Fred and Jim.

A private service of remembrance will be held later. Those wishing to honor Catherine are invited to contribute to the All Saints Episcopal School in Kapa’a, HI.