Pharaby Ann (Calder) Patty was taken peacefully in her sleep on the wings of an eagle Sept. 20, 2014. She will be remembered for so many wonderful things but most of all the love and dedication she had not only for her family and friends but the Native American community as a whole.
Pharaby was born July 18, 1947, to Alex and Philamine Calder in Wolf Point. She received her diploma from Jefferson County High School in 1964. After graduation, she married her childhood sweetheart, Walter William (Buckskin) Wardlow, divorced four years later only to carry on a 40-year love affair.
Blessed in 1968 by the birth of her daughter, she moved to Portland, Oregon, to attend business school, where she learned how to write federal grants to form nonprofit organizations and implement community-based programs. She moved back to Helena to raise her children and start her lifelong career as a Native American activist and community-based program coordinator.
Pharaby, with the help of her mother, Philamine Calder, as well as Leo Pocha, Lillis Waylett and many other members of the Native American community started the Helena Indian Alliance. In the ’70s she started a youth group for Native American children to help keep them off the street called Sgt. Pepper’s. She went on to assist Anaconda, Butte and Great Falls in raising funds, organizing and implementing programs to assist Native Americans in their communities with employment, education, child care and nutrition, as well as starting youth groups and raising awareness about abused women.
Pharaby was such a blessing and touched so many lives. Her home was always open to everyone. You couldn’t help but smile walking into her house or leaving it. You always felt like a part of the family from the minute you walked in the door. Many knew her as Aunty, some as Grandma, but by most as a lifelong friend. You could always count on a few good stories and many laughs.
There are not enough words or time to say all that should be said to honor the life of a woman who touched so many lives in a way that is absolutely indescribable. Full of life, love and happiness, you were loved by so many! We will miss you but know how blessed we were to have had you. May you soar on the wings of an eagle into the loving arms of our Maker until we meet again, Pharaby Ann.
Pharaby was preceded in death by her mother and father, Alex and Philamine Calder; and brothers Eddy, Bruce and Chopper. She is survived by her siblings, Janice, Theresa, Alex (Brenda) and Dave (Eva); her children, Alvina (Greg), Ron and Kari; her grandchildren, Jonathan, Greg, Darren, Josh, Jake, Martin, Melissa and Jessica; and her great-grandchildren, Rhaely and Isabella; as well as countless nieces, nephews and cousins.
Friends and family will gather at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave., at noon on Friday, Sept. 26, fittingly Montana Native American Day, which Pharaby founded. She will be buried at Resurrection Cemetery, 3700 N. Montana Ave.
A reception will follow after services at Sheridan Hall, 501 Euclid Ave. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Pharaby.
Service Schedule
Time of Remembrance Service
12:00 p.m.
Friday September 26, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
After the service
Friday September 26, 2014
Resurrection Cemetery
3700 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Patsy Oberweiser says
Little Jon we were so sorry to hear about your loss, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
The Oberweisers, Rutherfords and LaPiere
GINGER MAYES says
To the entire family of Pharaby. Please except my sincere condolences. It breaks my heart that she is gone. I have known Pharaby since I was about 6 years old, and my thoughts and prayers are with you all.. Alvina, Ron, Theresa and Janet, I am so sad to hear of this.
God Bless you all.
Ginger
LaRain Herrera says
This is beautiful, the picture of Pharaby is beautiful, this is how I remember her smiling. All the words hit it right on about Pharaby Patty. Pharaby was a good friend to have. Cherie and I would make pit stops at Pharaby’s house. We would tell Pharaby we can only stay for an hour, end up staying all night long. Oh what fun we had. Pharaby was a kind woman, she cared about everyone, what I loved about Pharaby is she was a comedian too, she would make you laugh. Now she has passed on to the other camp, her family and friends have welcomed her with open arms. My prayers and thoughts go out to her family and friends. You had a good journey my friend. Rest in peace. God Bless, LaRain
John Higgins says
I am a little late. Pharaby was a good friend to me and was everything they said above. Thinking of her fmialy even though it has been a long time . In Tucson.