Patricia Marie Mills passed away peacefully on February 27, 2022, at St. Peter’s Hospital surrounded by her loving family. She will be remembered for the steadfast loyalty, positive outlook and the unconditional love she shared with us all.
Born in Seattle, Washington to Arthur and Mary Stose June 1, 1938; Pat “Patty” graduated from Holy Angels High School. Shortly after her graduation Art, Mary, Patty, Dick and MaryLou made their way to Helena. Soon after she would meet her would be husband and begin a family of her own. Pat and Ed were married in November 1957 and soon after followed their children Dan, Dave and Dean.
Pat worked for a short time for at an insurance agency, later taking a job at the Commerce Bank. She worked up through the teller line to become the manager for those positions. After leaving the bank she went to work with Ed at the State Nursery.
The family frequently enjoyed weekend road trips and the cabin at Canyon Ferry, often vacationing in Seeley Swan and the Flathead. Pat’s children were amazed the day she demonstrated her prowess with roller skates. Ed would say of her golf game “she might not hit far but she hits straight down the fairway, and she is consistent”
Also, bowling, bridge, snowmobiling, and weekends at the lodge in Lincoln were among her adult and family adventures.
Her husband Ed, parents Mary and Art Stose, sister Elizabeth and brothers Danny and Richard preceded Patricia in death. Pat is survived by her sister MaryLou and husband Doug Sales of Seattle, son Dan and partner Dean Evans of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, son David and wife Connie of Florence, Montana, son Dean of Helena, Montana; she is also survived by grandchildren Alex (Rod), Daylene (Mark), Alisa, Kaity (Logan), Jon and Josh. Pat’s great grandchildren include Alex’s son Jack, and Alisa’s children Amanda and Bradley. Additionally she is survived by her Nephew Doug Baus (Willow, their children Ezra and Sully), Niece Lesley (Tony, their children Trey and Carley) and of course her stead-fast confidant, the family dog, Yogi.
Much of Patty’s life was spent caring for others around her. Indeed, she began and dedicated herself, at the young age of 19, to family of her own. After Ed’s passing, she had time for herself and time with her friends. We have all, family and friends alike, felt her love and support that reached too many to count and mention here. We are sure Pat would want to thank all first responders, firemen, EMTs, Dr Weiner and Monsignor O’Neill. We will listen for her voice that is written in our hearts. And in doing so, we carry her with us always.
A Gathering will be held Thursday, March 3, from 4-7pm with a Vigil Service starting at 5:00pm. On Friday, March 4, a Funeral Mass will be held at the Cathedral of Saint Helena at Noon.
Service Schedule
Social Gathering
4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Thursday March 3, 2022
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Vigil
5:00 pm
Thursday March 3, 2022
Retz Funeral Home
315 East 6th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Friday March 4, 2022
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N Ewing St
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Funeral Mass
Friday March 4, 2022
4012 Hwy 12 West
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Social Gathering
4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Thursday March 3, 2022
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Vigil
5:00 pm
Thursday March 3, 2022
Retz Funeral Home
315 East 6th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Friday March 4, 2022
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N Ewing St
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Funeral Mass
Friday March 4, 2022
4012 Hwy 12 West
Helena, Montana 59601
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Vanessa Tolson says
We are so sorry to hear of Pat’s passing she was a very gracious lady; always had a smile on her face and kind words. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.
Chuck and Vanessa
Peggy Yuhas says
Pat was one of the greatest women I have ever been lucky enough to work with and love. She always made me laugh and feel good about the world and life in general. She had the kindness heart and smile. She will be missed.
Deana Reuss says
I would like to say how sorry I am for her loss….But also say thank you to Pat and Big Ed for allowing me to work at a great place…I have wonderful memories of The State Nursery and in meeting some of my Dearest friends there.. .Pat was a great person to work with and for, and I will always have the greatest ❤ love for my dear friends Dan Dave and Dean. My prayers are with you.
Claudia Cloningwe says
To the family of Pat, I am so very sorry for your loss. Pat was so full of warmth and fun. Had many good times with her and Ed. Unable to attend the services for her as I am leaving town today. You are all in my thoughts.
Josh Mills says
as the woman who was always there for me and went out of her way to help me, the words i have cannot describe how sad i am that i can’t see her everyday but at the same time i am also just as happy she is with her one love ed mills. this woman was one you cannot forget, her charisma and her passion for having nothing but love and joy for people is one for the books, the monarch of the mills family, a true angel, and a complete ray of sunshine, we all are absolutely torn by this but the memories will always stay. this woman was my rock and i don’t know what else to say but that i love her and i couldn’t have asked for a better grandmother/best friend. love u forever grandma <3
Sandi Crocker says
I am so sorry to hear of her Passing. My Sister was Pam Crocker Brown, who worked at State Nursery for years!! She really enjoyed working there!! She married Charlie Brown, and he worked there as well. So did my brother Steve Crocker for a while. I have heard many fun and wonderful stories of their time working for State Nursery!! I wish it was still there!! I also met Danny, and he was the greatest!! What a wonderful, fun person he was!! If he is in Helena for the funeral, I reach out to him to say hello!!
Bless you all!! Pam”s sister, Sandi Crocker
Julie (Stinchfield) DeMars says
Rest in eternal peace, beautiful Pat. You were honestly one of the most genuinely kind, gracious, fun-loving, and beautiful people I have ever met. I truly hope that the reunion with those on the other side was amazing. Be sure to tell the old crew we love and miss them – especially Bill & Betty! I am sending big hugs and prayers for peace to your wonderful family here on earth. You are missed.
Laura J Fix says
Dean and Family,
So sorry for the loss of your Dear Pat. Please know my prayers are with you as you grieve. God’s speed to Pat, may you rest in eternal peace after a life well lived. Dean, I always enjoyed seeing you and your Mom on coffee dates at Starbucks. Peace to you at this sad time.
Pat Mandeville says
My sincere condolences to Pat’s family. We were long time neighbors, and our kids grew up together. May she rest in peace.
MARKS says
WE ARE SADDENED BY PAT’S PASSING, HAVING BEEN CLOSE FRIENDS FOR 40+ YEARS—–BLESSINGS AND COMFORT TO ALL OF THOSE WHO LOVE HER.
BARB AND BOB MARKS
Janie says
Dan, Josh, I send you all my love, now and forever and may your wonderful memories sustain you all through your life of the wonderful woman your Mother and Grandmother was! She loved all of her boys, grandchildren and all of the people who knew her! I looked up to her as a good example of how to live as a grown up woman in the world of giving of one’s self while navigating the world of the negative things! I know that she raised you all in her good image! I love you and always will! Janie Cook
Julie OConnor says
Danny I am so sorry I did not know. My prayers are with you now. Love you forever. God’s blessings I pray.