Catherine D. Rafferty Marshall, lovingly known as Catie, Catie Did, and Mom passed away unexpectedly while in Anchorage, Alaska, between the late hours of November 29, 2025, and the early morning of November 30, 2025. Her death is still under investigation, leaving her family and friends with many unanswered questions and heavy hearts. Born in Barberton Ohio Aug. 18, 1982 to Vivian and Tim Rafferty, Catie was preceded in death by her Dad, Timothy Rafferty, in 2009. Married to Ray Marshall for thirteen years, residing in Lytle, Texas after relocating from Anchorage Alaska. Catherine worked seasonally in Alaska as a Managing Supervisor; set-up/tear-down specialist for the Spirit Halloween franchise. Catie was passionate about her work, but she loved her family even more.

Catie never met a stranger she wouldn’t help; two legs, four legs, or no legs, it never mattered! She said we are all born to help each other. As a licensed foster parent for the state of Alaska, her heart was always open and welcoming. Of the hundreds of people she lovingly mothered, fed, advised, nurtured, clothed, and comforted, her compassion never ran out. She lived by the philosophy that every living thing deserves second and third chances, always believing, “There is good in everyone.” It was her mission to help others find the good within themselves. With her job completed for the season, Catie was excited to return home and await the birth of her first granddaughter, due this month. She couldn’t wait to be with her family and out of the cold Alaska snow.

Now, with so much pain in my heart, I am pleading that at least some of the generosity and love that my girl and her family so openly shared over the years may be returned to them during this devastating time. Catie was the cement that held so many together and was also the only breadwinner in the family. Due to recent government layoffs, Ray became unemployed, but Catie always reassured us, “Don’t worry about us, my job will carry us through.” Now, tragedy has ensued, we have to bring our girl home, sell horses and vehicles, prepare the house for sale, and relocate the family. Any support you can offer will help us honor Catie’s memory, bring her home to the lower 48, and support her family as they face these overwhelming challenges. She leaves behind Ray, Kaia, Laila, Porter, Timmy, Theo, and Baby Girl all of the home.

To those that have ever been a recipient of this families generosity, "please" reach deep inside yourselves. Ask yourself where would you be today if not for the help you've been provided to get you back on your own feet.

Parents are not supposed to have to bury their children!