In the early morning of March 11, 2018 C. Patricia “Pat” Lightbody died peacefully from natural causes. She passed where she wanted, in her home that she loved and had lived for 64 years.
Pat was born to Charles P. and Clara Guilbault on December 5, 1930 in Roundup, Mt. She was the oldest of 7 children. She grew up in Helena where her family owned two of Helena’s well known west side businesses, College Pharmacy and The Red Roof Cafe.
After transferring from Cathedral High her sophomore year, Pat graduated from Helena High School in 1948 and Carroll College School of Nursing in 1952.
Pat married her high school sweetheart, Robert “Bob” Lightbody, on May 30, 1953. Pat’s father was not in favor of his eldest daughter marrying a man that was not catholic so Pat and Bob married at Holy Rosary Church in Bozeman with only her sister Rita and a friend at their side. Their honeymoon entailed a get a way where Pat studied for her nursing boards and Bob fished and so began their life together (with Bob ultimately winning her father’s approval). Their first child, Lynn, was born in April the following year followed by Jay and then Mike.
Pat was the epitome of a nurse as her natural character was to nurture. As an RN she worked in the Helena community for Drs. Burgess, Bossler and Little for many years. In 1974 she returned to school in Denver to become a nurse practitioner. She worked as Mountain Bell’s nurse practitioner until retiring in 1983.
Pat and Bob spent lots of time at the Helena Gun Club. Bob’s hobby inspired them to start a business they called “Lights Loading Shop”. The business included loading shells, selling trap shooting supplies, apparel and components. Their retirement and new sideline business would take them on the trap shoot circuit which involved loading up the motor home and pulling their store on wheels, often times heading south.
Pat loved sports. Whether she watching her husband shoot trap, her sons or grandchildren play ball or her daughter with horse activities, she was an avid fan. At baseball or softball games you would find her documenting her own scorekeeping tablets and being able to recite hits, runs, and errors of players. She would keep these score tablets for years along with sports articles, photos and scrapbooks. She was a huge Atlanta Braves fan, Arizona Cardinals fan, Helena Senators fan and literally any local sports team. Often times you could stop by and find her watching a game on TV while listening to another with her headphones on. In the stands, even though she was only 4 ft. 10 inches tall, she was mighty and her force could be heard.
Pat played bridge with a wonderful group of girlfriends for over 50 years. The family is sure that monthly gathering with her nearest and dearest is what helped keep Pat’s mind so sharp throughout her life.
Pat is preceded in death by her husband Bob, grandson Matthew Lightbody, sisters Mary Ostermiller and Judy Chase.
She is survived by children, Lynn (Mark) Keller, Jay (Teresa) Lightbody & Mike Lightbody all of Helena. Grandchildren Andrew (Amy) Lightbody of Sandpoint, Idaho, Jaymie (Billy) Casey of E. Helena and Jeff (Rachel) Keller of Helena. Great grandchildren, Riggs, Tatum, Taylor, Bode, Ben, Tucker, Cannon & Carver. Siblings, Rita (Don) Christensen of Mesa, AZ, Joe (Lucy) Guilbault of Lakeside, Mt., Ellen (John) MacMillan of Kalispell, Mt and Larry (Sharon) Guilbault of Fort Shaw, Mt. and numerous nieces and nephews that she adored. She is also survived by her very loyal and loving lab, Rowdy.
A Funeral Liturgy will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 19th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. in Helena. A reception will follow in the social hall of the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Pat are suggested to Hospice of St. Peter’s Health c/o St. Peter’s Health, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Pat.
Service Schedule
Funeral Liturgy
11:00 a.m.
Monday March 19, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montan Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Funeral Liturgy
Monday March 19, 2018
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Funeral Liturgy
11:00 a.m.
Monday March 19, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montan Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Funeral Liturgy
Monday March 19, 2018
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Tom Juhl says
Lynn, Jay, and Mike so sorry to her of Pats passing…..What a wonderful Women R.I.P. Pat……
Randy Routzahn says
Lynn, Jay and Mike, so sorry to here of Mom’s passing. I could not count the number of times she patched us up as kids. She was a great lady and Bob will be glad to see her. God bless the family.
Paula Clinch says
So sorry for your loss Mike, Jay, Lynn and family. I always enjoyed Pat’s company and thought the world of her. May your fond memories you shared with her give you peace and help heal the loss you are feeling. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
DORIS ROMANISKO says
I am sorry for your loss. While I didn’t know Pat personally, I did have the opportunity to visit with her via phone calls over many years during Hospice Light a Life. She was always gracious and a sweet sense of humor.
Rick and Jan O'Connell says
Jay, Mike and Lynn. Sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. What a great lady.
Rick and Jan
Don Bartsch says
Jay, Teresa, Lynn, Mark and Mike,
I am very sorry to hear about Pat’s passing. Her personality was 7 feet tall. Now we mortals may have a chance in NCAA, NFL and college football pools that Pat seemed to dominate. “Well I was only 3 spots behind Pat” was thought to be a win by most of us.
What a lady and what a full life. She will be missed.
Gene and Pat Franks says
Jay, Teresa and all of your family. So sorry for your loss. What a great lady!
Phil and Lois Ranf says
We are so sorry for your loss. What a great person she was. We got to know her as our “go to” nurse at the phone company. She always had a laugh and a smile. She will indeed be missed by many! God Bless.
AnnieB says
Deepest condolence to the family and friends during the most difficult time. There are no words that can ease the pain of losing some so beloved. May you find peace and comfort in know that your loved one is in God’s memory. (Job 14:14, 15)
Pete Hamper says
Great family lead by great people Bob and Pat. I most remember the positive energy Pat brought .
God bless you all.
Suzanne Wilke says
Theresa,Jay and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sue
Jim and Sally says
So sorry for the loss of your Mom, Mom in law, grandma and friend. She was a remarkable lady and know now she is finally reunited with the love of her life, Bob and the joy of her life, Matt. God love and bless all of you!
Don Ruth Keller says
We are so sorry to hear about Pat’s passing. I (Ruth) worked with Pat in the medical dept from may 1980 on, She was a joy to work with. Thankfully after she retired she did continue to fill in when needed. She definitely was a neat lady.
Julie & Jim DeMars says
Lightbody Family,
We are so, so sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. She was such a wonderful lady and great friend to my parents! She will be missed by many…but know she is in a better place with all of those who went before her…keeping you all in our prayers! If there is anything we can do, please know we are here.
Frank Rowan says
I have wonderful memories of Pat caring for her Mountain Bell employees. She was a loving and caring nurse and friend. Although, I do not have the right words for the Lightbody family, know I care.
Crystal Shors says
We had a connection with Pat all the way back to College Pharmacy days. I’ll remember her in her crisp, white uniform managing the phone company medical office with confidence and caring– and a dose of humor on the side. My thoughts are with her family.
Karen Eck Sawyer says
Jay and Teresa, so very sorry for your loss. Y’all in my thoughts and prayers.
Karen Eck Sawyer
Jan Gregson says
To the entire Lightbody family, I am so sorry to hear this news….your mom was one of the sweetest, kindest, and happiest persons I knew. I remember as a child and each time I ever saw her, she had that beautiful smile and wonderful twinkle in her eye. The heavens and night sky are definitely brighter now. Sending you all, hugs and much love.
Bonnie Isaak says
Mike was so sorry to hear about you mom. She was such a great lady. She was missed when she left MA Bell. Hope that you are healing.