Missing woman found alive near Ulm after 42-hour search

UPDATE: May 7 at 7:40 p.m.

The Cascade County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) said 77-year-old Catherine Rearden has been found alive after more than 42 hours of searching near Ulm.

A neighbor found Rearden at about 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 7, 2026, near Eden School, about five miles from her home on Millegan Road, CCSO sheriff Jesse Slaughter said in this afternoon’s update.

Slaughter said she did not appear to have life-threatening injuries and was 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,” he said.

Rearden was last seen at her home sometime between midnight and 4:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 6. The sheriff’s office said family and friends searched first, then reported her missing to law enforcement at about 2:30 p.m. that afternoon.

More than 30 people joined the search, according to the sheriff’s office. Crews carried out ground searches, checked structures and outbuildings, used thermal drones and searched from the air with helicopters from Malmstrom Air Force Base and the Department of Homeland Security.

Slaughter thanked the agencies, volunteers and community members who helped.

“This search involved an overwhelming level of coordination and support. We want to thank every deputy, volunteer, partner agency and community member who assisted, shared information and helped search properties and terrain,” Slaughter said.

UPDATE: May 5, 2026 at 12:18 p.m.

NonStop Local's Bradley Warren spoke with Cascade County Sheriff Jesse Slaughter about the search for 77-year-old Catherine Rearden, who has been missing since the early morning hours of Wednesday, May 6.

UPDATE: May 6, 2026 at 10:06 p.m.

According to the Cascade County Sheriff's Office (CCSO), searches of outbildlings and structures have been conducted in the Rearden's last known area, in addition to expanded ground and aerial searches.

Resources from the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks as wells as the Malmstrom Air Force Base have been used during these aerial searches.

"Catherine is known to have dementia, and her direction of travel is unknown," CCSO officials stated. "Individuals living with dementia may continue walking for long distances, cross rough terrain, become disoriented, attempt to return to former residences, or hide in brush, structures, or concealed areas."

Authorities noted that Rearden had previously gone missing while on foot two years ago, and she was found roughly three miles down Millegan Road, where she had been hiding from the individuals searching for her.

"Investigators say Catherine may display mild or childlike behavior, become ornery, make irrational statements about family members, or talk to people who are not present," CCSO officials said. "She frequently talks about growing up in Fort Shaw and may attempt to travel in that direction. Residents in the Fort Shaw area are encouraged to remain alert and report any possible sightings."

Residents in the Great Falls area have been asked to carefully check their properties, including outbuildlings, brush, cars and places where a person could hide or become stuck.

Search efforts will continue throughout the night, and the community has been advised that a significant presence of CCSO deputies as well as Search and Rescue personnel will likely be seen.

Anyone who has seen a person matching Rearden's description, or who has information regarding her whereabouts is urged to contact 911.

GREAT FALLS, Mont. — The Montana Department of Justice issued a missing endangered person advisory for Catherine Rearden after law enforcement said she may be in danger because of health concerns.

The Department of Justice said that Rearden was last seen at 4 a.m. on Wednesday in the area of 1021 Millegan Road, approximately 10 miles south of Ulm. She was reportedly on foot and her direction of travel was not known.

Law enforcement said Rearden is 77 and may be confused or disoriented. They told the public not to approach her if she is seen and to call law enforcement instead.

The Department of Justice described Rearden as 5-foot-10 and 165 pounds with blue eyes and gray hair. They said she was last seen wearing a black trapper hat with flaps, a black winter coat and jeans. Authorities believe that she may keep the hat on regardless of weather, due to her condition.

Anyone with information was asked to call the Cascade County Sheriff’s Office at (406) 454-6978 or dial 9-1-1.

Article originally published May 6, 2026 at 6:03 p.m.