On December 25, 2021, our mom, beloved wife, sister, grandma, great grandma, auntie, friend, matriarch of our family, Patsy Lee Oberweiser, became our Christmas angel, as she passed from this life, surrounded by loved ones, welcomed home by her mom, brothers, sister, and daughter Carolina.
Patsy was born April 6, 1948, in Yakima, Washington. Shortly after she moved to Montana. She spent her early years in Superior and Helena. Part of a large family and one of the youngest, Patsy was from an early age a caretaker. She was often left to watch numerous cousins, nieces or nephews, most barely younger than she.
Patsy was married to Dick Rutherford (1966-1970) and had three children, Carolina, Richard, and James. Dick was in the army, which led Patsy to live in Alaska and North Carolina. Her time in Alaska contributed to a lifelong love of fishing. Patsy always considered Montana her home and returned home for good after separating from Dick.
Patsy had her work cut out for her as a single mom supporting her 3 kids. She worked hard in various labor jobs while being a loving guide for her children. They were poor but happy, as her son Richard put it “We never had a bad Christmas.”
In 1974, Patsy met John LaPiere, aka “Big John”. John quickly became a father figure and mentor for her 3 children. In 1975, they welcomed Jonelle LaPiere into the world. When not working, they spent their time camping and fishing. Avalanche Gulch and Blackfoot River became their ‘summer homes’. Although Patsy and John never married, they remained close friends and parenting partners until John passed away in 2000.
Patsy married Jack Oberweiser in 1986, shocking most of his friends and family who never thought he’d find a woman. Theirs was a whirlwind courtship, from first date (horse races in Missoula), to wedding day, in less than a year. Their wedding was a huge celebration with four children, several grandchildren, and family in attendance. They honeymooned in Glacier National Park, and during a 35-year marriage, only missed their yearly pilgrimage to the park 3 times. In the fall of ’86, Patsy enrolled at Carroll College pursuing a degree in social work. She hadn’t been in a formal school setting in over 20 years. She finished her degree in exactly 8 semesters, making the Dean’s list in every single one. A well-meaning friend once asked her why she wanted to go to school at an older age and pointed out that Patsy would be 40 when she graduated. “Well,”, Patsy responded. “I’ll be 40 either way. I might as well have a degree.”
In her final year at Carroll, she did an internship with Child and Family Services. Her solution to helping many of the dependent-neglected or abused kids she worked with was to bring them home. Having raised children all her life, she had no problem adding a few more to the tribe. Thus began several years of foster parenting for she and Jack. The night before her college graduation, she received a call about a child in need. Could she take in a baby boy just for one night? She did, and a year later fostered his sister. Then they were officially adopted two years later. Patsy and Jack added Tony and Sireena to the clan. Patsy was once again mothering another generation, with school and sports activities. Many trips were made around the state to watch baseball tournaments, swim meets, gymnastic events for both the younger kids and the older grandkids (it’s complicated).
Soon after, Patsy went to work for the Dept of Child and Family Services. Her official title was visitation specialist, and for the next 10 years, she worked tirelessly to help families in crisis reunite with their kids, helping foster parents understand the importance of supporting birth parents towards the goal of reunification. She transported kids over icy roads, up mountain passes, rural dirt roads, all in the interest of the children. Hundreds of families were blessed with her calming, nurturing presence. Many of these kids as adults looked her up to thank her for her love and kindness.
At this time, she also became an ICWA (Indian Child Welfare Act) expert witness requiring her to testify in all out-of-home placements of indigenous children by the state. Several local judges knew her name and face instantly because of the frequency of her testimony. They all respected and admired her.
Retiring in 2010, Patsy tried to kick back, returning to her love of painting, crafting, camping and fishing. She and Jack took many road trips to Glacier, Yellowstone, Arizona and the Grand Canyon, and Banff Alberta. She accomplished these goals while accompanying 16 grandkids and 12 great grandkids on their own missions. Summers in the back yard were packed with kids playing sports, hopscotch, swimming, swinging and sliding, jumping on trampolines, painting, helping with flowers, all under her watchful eye. Each child felt a special relationship, and they were all equally loved and supported.
Patsy was pre-deceased by her mother, Esther Baker, her brothers Clayton, Putzie, Buddy, and Matt, sister Esther, Jonelle’s dad John LaPiere, and daughter Carolina.
She is survived by her husband Jack, children Rick (Karin) Rutherford, Jim (Stephanie) Rutherford, Jonelle LaPiere, Tony Oberweiser, Sireena Neupauer, grandchildren Jonathan, Bobbi Jo, Treg, Jessica, Angela, Katelinn, Isabella, Austin, Ashley, Graver, Emily, Michael, Kennedie, Jackson, Sage, Aubrey; great grandchildren, Barrett, Zayden, Dante, Donevin, DaKai, Lakota, Lillian, Declan, Braxton, Easton, Maddie and Olivia; sisters Bev Elledge, Pattie Purcell, and Carol Simmons; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Viewing will be from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, January 3rd at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. A memorial service will take place at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, January 4th at the funeral home. A reception will follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the St. Labre Indian School in Ashland, Montana.
Service Schedule
Viewing
1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Monday January 3, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Memorial Service
1 p.m.
Tuesday January 4, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Tuesday January 4, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Viewing
1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Monday January 3, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Memorial Service
1 p.m.
Tuesday January 4, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Tuesday January 4, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Cynde Watkins says
Jack I’m so sorry for your loss.
Sharon Brockway says
Jack and family, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My love and prayers go out to you.
Bill & Sherri Roberts says
Jack & family. We are so sorry for your loss. Patsy was such a great lady & did so much for so many. We were all blessed to have known her. If you need anything, let us know. Our hearts & prayers go out to all of you.
Joyce Day says
Jack – I am so sorry for your loss. I will continue prayers for both you and your family.
Dorothy McCarter says
Patsy was a special person, and will be missed by many. My deepest sympathies to her family.
(Judge) Dorothy McCarter
Bill and Claudia Warfield says
Jack and family – We am so sorry for your loss…. Patsy was such a special person and will be missed by many….. You are in our prayers. Bill and Claudia
Marty/Maureen Kloker says
Jack
Oberweiser family
God Bless. God Speed
Elvira says
Sending love from California to the entire family.
Elvira and Honey (222)
Ann Penner says
Patsy was a whole lot of personality packed into that tiny little body. She was absolutely respected and admired by the courts for all her years of advocacy for children.
Sending love and light to her family. It’s a tremendous loss and I hope your memories of her will give you some solace.
Johnny/Carolyn Lott says
An amazing person! We know the family has great memories as we followed along on Facebook. You are in our thoughts especially now.
Cathi Burgoyne says
My heart aches for all of you. She was one in a million and Ron thought so highly of both of you.
Bryan and Bobbie Sue Carothers says
Oh Jack we were so sorry to read of Patsy’s passing May God bless you and the entire family and may he wrap his loving arms around you and comfort you. All our love Bryan and Bobbie Sue Carothers.
James Schimming says
So sorry for your loss Jack .
Charlotte Jones says
Jack and family, I am so, so sorry. Sending light and love to you.
Mary Kay Senden says
What a beautiful tribute to a lovely and caring lady. God bless all of you, Jack, during this sad time.
Gary Funston says
Jack and Family, I’m so sorry for your loss of a wonderful wife, mother, grand mother, great grand mother, friend.❤️ My prayers and sympathies🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼
Joe Munzenrider says
I am so very sad, Jack. May your grief be calmed by gratitude for the gift of Patsy in the lives of your family and you. Blessings on you.
Rick Torchia says
Jack, reading through all of Patsy’s accomplishments it is easy to see why you two fit together. The care and giving is so evident. Truely blessed.
Doug Melton says
So sorry to hear this news Jack. You and your family will be in our prayers. Take care. Doug Melton
Kathy Conlon Hamill says
Jack and family, I am so sorry for your loss. An angel on earth is now your angel in heaven. What an incredibly difficult couple of years of loss for you and your family, my prayers are with you.
Alli Solan says
My deepest condolences to the whole family including all those she advocated for in the Court system. She touched so so many hearts and lives. ❤️
Patty Opitz says
Jack, I am so sorry. Holding you in care and prayer.
Grant Hokit says
Jack, very sorry to learn about Patsy. My deepest condolences my friend.
Grant
Karina says
Jonelle,
My deepest condolences to and your family. What an honorable life to celebrate.
Melanie says
Water in my eyes. Thank you Patsy for sharing your love, kindness and generosity with everyone that crossed your path. You will be deeply missed from those of us still here on earth. Blessings
Patty says
Jonelle, Sending you and your family a lot of love your way. May the creator provide you and your family with the strength and peace you need during this time. Love you beautiful!
Joe Baumgardner says
Jack, I cannot seem to put into words what I wished to say. I know her life on earth was a well deserved ticket to heaven. It’s ironic that she died on the day that a savior was born to make people like Patsy. God Bless!
Laurie Chandler says
My deepest sympathy Jonelle for your loss. As you know I attended Carroll College with your mom. A group of us O T As hung together for the support. Your mom was such a joy to be around. I am so happy I got to see her in the recent past. Prayers with you can call any time! 4229407
Mark and Janet Dolar says
Mark and I would like to extend our condolences to you and your family Rick. Your mother sounds like she was an incredibly compassionate woman. What a role model she was! We are so sorry for your loss.
Jack Norris says
Sorry for your loss Jack Patsy was a wonderful lady loved joking around with her.
Toni Person says
Thank you Patsy for blessing our earth. We send our condolences to the family.
Ann M Buss says
I didn’t have the privelege of meeting Patsy; however, I am honored to work with her daughter, Jonelle. Everday, Jonelle embraces her mom’s caring for others, willingness to go over and beyond, and displaying her integrity to serve. My thoughts and prayers are with you Jonelle and your family.
Molly Oberweiser Kennedy says
I love you Uncle Jack and Aunt Patsy! Two forces who impact my life in all the ways. Your love for each other and all of those around you is deeply felt. Aunt Patsy’s transition leaves a physical chasm here on Earth; I’m grateful to have another fierce loving angel watching over us since she had to go.
Connie A Jerome says
To all of Patsy’s family –
We send our heartfelt condolences and prayers for comfort during this difficult time.
She was one of a kind and will be sorely missed.
Sending our love to you all,
Connie, Kelly, Jess, Jay, Josh and families.
Cathy Ward says
Jack. I am so sorry for the loss of your dear Patsy. Sending you special thoughts and prayers.
Matt and Lea Edminster says
Oh Jack! I am so sorry to hear this news and we ache with you for your loss. Patsy was a wonderful companion and the two of combined you were an unstoppable wellspring of love and blessing. The well draws on deep waters and I’m praying that memories of her and the love of your friends and family will be a comfort as you grieve. All of our love to you from across the waters.
Emily Oberwesier says
I am sorry, I miss her so much she was an amazing person and Nana. Papa Jack I hope you are ok and I will see you later, I’m praying for all of us and If you need anything to talk or etc.. talk to my dad (Anthony Oberweiser) and I Love You all!!!!❤❤❤😢💖