Heartwarming Update in Montana Missing Elderly Case

I recently shared a story with you about a 77-year-old woman who went missing near Ulm a few days ago. Well, I'm happy to report that thanks to the hard work of several, she has been found alive.

Cascade County Sheriff's Office Shares Update on Missing Elderly Woman

On Wednesday night, I received a press release detailing the disappearance of a 77-year-old woman named Catherine Rearden.

Authorities reported at the time that she "was last seen sometime between midnight and 4:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, in the area of 1021 Millegan Road, approximately 10 miles south of Ulm."

Now, it feels good to say that she has been found.

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"After more than 42 hours of coordinated search efforts near Ulm, 77-year-old Catherine Rearden was found alive Thursday evening," a press release from Cascade County Sheriff's Office said on their Facebook page, "Catherine was located by a neighbor at approximately 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 7th, 2026, near Eden School, roughly five miles from her residence at 1021 Millegan Road."

"She was found alive and does not appear to have life-threatening injuries and is being medically evaluated."

"This is a remarkable outcome. It is uncommon to locate someone after this length of time and find them alive without life-threatening injuries. We are incredibly grateful Catherine was found safely and has now been reunited with her family," said Cascade County Sheriff Jesse Slaughter.

Authorities Say the Outcome Was a Team Effort

As Sheriff Slaughter said, it's a remarkable outcome and it was a total team effort.

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According to the press release, "more than 30 people participated in the extensive search efforts" which included agencies like the Cascade County Sheriff’s Office, Cascade County Search and Rescue, Salvation Army Sally One Unit, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Malmstrom Air Force Base, Chouteau County Sheriff’s Office, Chouteau County Search and Rescue, Lewis & Clark County Search and Rescue, and Department of Homeland Security.

Talk about leaving no stone unturned, am I right? Shout out to authorities for bringing Catherine home safely!