Patricia Alice (Powers) Stetson passed away December 24, 2022, in Helena, MT following a brief illness.
Pat was born April 10, 1930, in Cle Elum, WA to Victor W. and May Kirkpatrick Powers. When she was one year old, they moved to Ellensburg, WA when her father became blind and her mother, an RN, was employed at the Ellensburg General Hospital. Pat’s father passed when she was 12 years old.
She attended schools in Ellensburg, graduating in 1948 from Ellensburg High School where she was a member of the band and orchestra, and co-editor of the school newspaper. After graduation Pat attended Central Washington State College and worked at Evenson Funeral Home.
On August 12, 1949, Patricia married Donald W. Stetson in Ellensburg at the Presbyterian Church. They had been friends for 3 years since meeting on 2nd base at a church league baseball game. Don was from Kittitas, 7 miles east of Ellensburg, where he farmed. He also attended CWSC.
After they were married Don joined Pat working at the funeral home. Their first son, Scott Orie, was born in Ellensburg, August 1950. Shortly afterwards they moved to Los Angeles, CA where Don attended the California College of Mortuary Science, and Pat worked downtown LA at the California Bank. After graduation they moved to Spokane, WA where they worked for Thornhill Valley Funeral Home and then Hazen and Yaeger Funeral Home. Susan May (June 1953) and Kirk Bradley (November 1957) were born while the family lived in the Spokane Valley. Besides working in several Administrative Assistant positions Pat was involved in Eastern Star. While living in Spokane she and her family enjoyed life, camping and family outings to the Columbia River and many lakes with their boat.
In 1969, the family moved to Havre, MT where Don became a partner in Holland and Bonine Funeral Home. Pat was a devoted wife and mother to her family. She was actively involved in the Havre Presbyterian Church, Eastern Star and P.E.O. Don retired in 1983.
Pat and Don started framing pictures for family and friends. This snowballed and they moved out of their basement into the Atrium Mall in Havre where they had a full-blown frame shop and gallery, Stetson’s Custom Frame Shop. This was something they enjoyed together for 12 years. After selling the frame shop, they moved to Glacier Village in Kalispell with several close friends from Havre, where they built their home, golfed, and enjoyed retirement. Following Don’s death in 2018, Pat moved to Helena, MT residing at The Legacy Assisted Living for the past two years. She enjoyed the time there and was known as the Bingo Queen.
Throughout her life she enjoyed her children’s school activities and sports. Pat spent many hours as Den Mother for Cub Scouts, Brownies, and Girl Scouts, DeMolay Mother and Mother Advisor for Rainbow Girls. She also enjoyed sewing and needlework. Later in life she loved spending time or hearing stories of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved them all so much.
Being a P.E.O. member meant a great deal to Pat. She was initiated in Chapter AZ, Havre, MT on March 6, 1973. Served as President in 1978 after holding several offices. After moving to Kalispell in 1993 she was a member in Chapter C, until her death. Her mother joined Chapter AA in Roslyn, WA in 1919. In 1930 she became a member of Chapter BF in Ellensburg, until her death in 1978. P.E.O. has always been there for Pat and her family.
Pat is survived by her children, Scott Stetson of Red Deer, Alberta, Susan Stetson Johnston (Scot) of Mount Vernon, WA, and Kirk Stetson (Lori) of Missoula, MT. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Shawn Stetson (Tricia), Mark Stetson (Melissa), Domenic Easton (Laura), Cara Stetson Reck (Cody), Megan Collins-Schaber (Josh), Cameron Johnston; and 14 great-grandchildren; and nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
Pat was predeceased by her parents, her sister, Alma Powers Bednar; daughter-in-law, Sharon Stetson; granddaughter, Karen Stetson, and great-granddaughter, Isla Rose Stetson.
Mom is at peace, dancing with dad in heaven.
The burial took place at the IOOF Cemetery in Ellensburg, WA. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Ellensburg Adult Activity Center on May 6, 2023, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. All family and friends are welcome.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Saturday May 6, 2023
Ellensburg Adult Activity Center
Ellensburg, Washington 98926
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Saturday May 6, 2023
Ellensburg Adult Activity Center
Ellensburg, Washington 98926
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