Our beloved Patricia Ann Blixt, known as Patti, Grandma, and GiGi, age 85, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 2nd surrounded by her loving family.
Patti was born on September 27, 1938, to Wanda and Bernard Nash in Mason City: Coulee Dam, Washington. She was blessed to have an older sister, Joanie Haines, whom she dearly loved. Patti lived in Deer Lodge before settling in Helena where she was raised by Wanda and Ed Roberts. Patti would share stories of her three Aunts; Bertha, Vivian, Vada, and her many cousins who played a significant role in her life and she deeply loved them all.
Patti attended Helena High School where she was the Head Majorette in 1956. She started dating her high school sweetheart, Don Blixt in 1954. Don had to learn how to dance to win this beauty over and he did and then their love story began. Patti and Don were married on July 27, 1958, and celebrated 65 years of marriage. It would bring a big smile to those fortunate to see these two dancing the jitterbug to an Old Country Western tune. Don was the love of her life and best friend. As we all know, you would seldom see one without the other.
Patti and Don raised their three sons; Steve, Scott, and Shannon in the valley on Juniper Drive where she ran her own business Patti’s Poodle Parlor for 38 years. Patti held a special place in her heart for dogs. She always had a 4-legged child, and she would make sure that her family would have one too. She leaves behind her dog Aussie. Patti’s hobbies were knitting and fashion. She was always perfectly dressed from head to toe and many times wore one of her beautiful, knitted sweaters.
If you were to ask Patti what her favorite things in life were, she would say family and friends. She was a true Momma Bear and supported her three boys in everything. Patti’s beautiful big eyes would light up when she would talk about her adoring five grandchildren: Davin, Dymon, Shelby, Madison, McKenzie and five great-grandchildren: Tinley, Nyla, Hudson, Saylor, and Brooklyn. The Blixt Home at Canyon Ferry Lake was a gathering for many celebrations that Patti graciously hosted, and her family and friends will cherish the memories. She loved living at the lake (even though she wasn’t a fan of the water) and basking in the sun whether it be on the “Dontoon” or on “Patti’s Porch.”
Patti is survived by her husband: Don Blixt; sons: Steve (Deb), Scott (Margaret), and Shannon (Heidi); grandchildren: Davin (Jodi), Dymon Gane (Nathan), Shelby Gill (Cody) Madison, and McKenzie Blixt; great-grandchildren: Tinley and Nyla Gane, Hudson and Saylor Gill, and Brooklyn Blixt; sister: Joanie Haines and many extended family and friends.
Patti lived a full life which included being a two-time survivor of cancer. She was a true warrior who had a loving, caring but feisty spirit to live and touch so many hearts. She did not want to miss anything! Our loss deeply saddens us. We will find comfort in knowing that we have gained a beautiful angel watching over us all dancing with the stars.
A Celebration of Life will be held later this spring/summer on “Patti’s Porch.”
A Memorial in Patti’s name can be made to American Cancer Society-Relay for Life or Lewis & Clark Humane Society.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Tom Winfield says
To the Blixt family, I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow.
Sherryl Vaughn says
I loved Patti! So many fun lake times with her and Don. My prayers are with you all!
Tony Strainer says
To the Blixt Family,
Winnie and I are so sorry for your loss. You are all in our prayers.
The Strainers
Jim and Sally says
So sorry to hear about Patti. Thoughts and prayers are with you all. She is now at peace.
Karen Houston says
I am so sorry to hear of Patti’s passing. She was such a great lady. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Jill shea says
To the Blixt family! So sorry to hear about Patti. She was a Great lady. Prayers for
you all !!
Jill and Don Bentson
Phylis Shanahan says
So sorry for your loss. I’ll miss seeing you
at Walmart. Prayers for healing and strength for understanding.
Tom Reilly says
Don and Family,
‘Sorry to know of Patti’s passing. Don, both you and Patti have been solid friends of the Reilly’s over many generations. ‘Long time connections to the family roots of the Wickes/Jefferson City area. Thoughts are with you.
Tom
Backstroms says
we’re so sorry to hear of Patti’s passing. Hugs to whole family. She was one of a kind.
Denise & Jim Backstrom
Jody E. Reisbeck says
Steve and Debbie,
So very sorry for the loss of Patti. You are both in our thoughts and prayers as well as the Blixt family.
Kelly and Jody Reisbeck
Cindy Donaldson says
Don and Family,
Thought and prayers to you and your family. Patti has always been a beautiful person and now a beautiful angel.
May all of you find love and peace with your memories of Patti. I know I will.
Your much older and wiser MT SMACNA Family!
Steve and Cindy Donaldson
LOIS HILL says
what a dynamic little gal, so enjoyed visiting with her through the many rodeo years, I will cherish all those times. and YES, she always looked like a fashion model, and her smile was priceless. We are; all better for having known Patti, my love and prayers to her family.
Greg and Susan Egbert says
We are so very sorry for your loss. Patti was a classy lady who had the most welcoming smile. She was such a cheerleader at any of her family’s activities…that infectious smile will be missed as the positive outlook she always possessed. RIP pretty lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Blixt family.
Nancy Pasha says
So very sorry to hear of Patti’s passing! She was a wonderful person, and oh so classy. I had not seen her since moving to eastern Montana but when our kids were growing up we met up at many rodeos! My thoughts and prayers are for her loving family and may God comfort them and give them peace.
John Peters says
Don and family, we are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May you find peace in this time of sorrow.
John and Monica Peters
Cheri Parsley-Tripp says
Sending so much love, many prayers, and big hugs to you all! So sorry for your loss. What a beautiful woman!
Ronda Sewell-Davis says
Don and family. So sad to hear this. Patti was always so kind and with a welcoming smile to me every time I made it home and saw you both at the stampede. Prayers to you all.
Thomas Juhl says
Prayers and condolences to the family, Pattie took care of my dogs for over 50 years. Now she can start over on them…..R.I.P. Pattie…….
Aaron and Nancy says
Don and family. Nancy and I were heartbroken when we heard Pattie passed away. We will always have great memories of boat rides and get togethers. Prayers to you all.
Carol Duval says
Don and family,
So very sorry to learn of Patti’s passing. She was a joy to be around and always that beautiful smile, her hair done perfectly and always looked like she was dressed to the nines! She will be missed. She also did our snauzers for years also. Don and Gary worked together for many years and we have many fond memories of times spent together. May she rest in peace now. Carol Duval
Penny says
So sorry, Patti will be missed by all the rodeo crew, always there to support!!
Helen Diehl Hoffman says
Patti groomed Toby for 15 years. Patti and Bill were going through cancer treatment at the same time in the late 1990’s. Patti was such an inspiration to me with her positive attitude. Whenever, I ran into her in later years, I always got a smile. Those we love are always with us. You are in my thoughts and prayers.