Billings Community Has Raised Funds for McColley Memorial
Residents organized an auction and fundraiser to secure a permanent headstone and memorial site for the family.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Philanthropy
The Billings community has rallied to support Mary McColley, who is raising her 11-year-old granddaughter, Kimber, following a series of tragic losses. Fundraising efforts, including an auction and raffle, are aimed at establishing a permanent family memorial.
Why it matters
The fundraiser seeks to provide financial relief and a site of remembrance for a family that has endured the deaths of multiple relatives over several decades. It highlights local efforts to support neighbors facing extreme personal tragedy.
The effort honors the lives of two daughters, Kataraina and Kassie McColley, both of whom died at age 28, and supports the care of 11-year-old Kimber.
The players
Mary McColley
She is a local resident who is currently raising her 11-year-old granddaughter following the deaths of her children.
Kataraina McColley
She was a 28-year-old who died in a scooter accident in the Billings Heights area.
Kassie McColley
She was a 28-year-old who died in a hit and run incident on Highway 10 in Laurel.
Stetson Sheppard
He was the stepfather of the family who passed away during the 2021 holiday season.
The details
The community has organized auctions and raffles to collect donations to pay for a headstone and create a lasting memorial. A GoFundMe page has also been established to provide ongoing support for Mary McColley and her granddaughter.
Timeline
A son died at birth on Christmas 1997.
The father of the family passed away on Father's Day 2003.
Stepfather Stetson Sheppard passed away on Christmas 2021.
Kassie McColley died in a hit and run on February 1, 2024.
Kataraina McColley died in a scooter accident in July 2026.
Market Landscape
This collective local effort follows the pattern of community-led financial support mechanisms often seen in response to regional tragedies. It shifts the burden of memorial costs from an individual family to the broader public network in Billings.
Residents can support the family by participating in local auctions or contributing directly through online donation platforms. These contributions assist in covering burial expenses and provide a stable financial foundation for the care of the remaining family members.
The takeaway
Supporting neighbors through collective philanthropy can provide critical financial and emotional stability for families navigating sudden loss. Implementing community-led donation networks ensures that those in need can access help for essential funeral and memorial costs.
Further reading
For more stories on regional charity efforts, visit Philanthropy.
More information
To contribute to the ongoing support efforts, visit the family memorial donation page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Q2 News (KTVQ).
