Missoula – Patricia Lynnette Norton Lanier, 60, of Missoula, MT, passed away Tuesday, February 11, 2014 at her home. She was born October 1, 1953 in Missoula, the daughter of Helen Schwab and Homer Norton.
Pat graduated from Sentinel High School in 1972. She married Kenneth Lanier in 1978, bought their home in 1979, and settled down to start a family. She was an avid collector and fan of rabbits and frogs and traveled a lot with her husband in her younger days to rabbit shows. She was a passionate breeder and won numerous competitions.
Pat was best known as a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She enjoyed 36 wonderful years of marriage to Ken, had two children, Jennifer and Stephen, numerous grandchildren, and was surrounded with a huge family.
She is survived by her husband Ken Lanier and the following: Daughter – Jennifer Lanier and her sons Malachi and Gideon. Son – Stephen Lanier and his wife Courtney and their son Taylor and daughter Danae. Daughter – Jackie McGraw and her husband Andrew and their kids Morgan, Eli, and Orion. Brothers – Bob and Lewis Norton. Sister – Kathy Harmeyer. Niece – Christine Aubert and her husband Craig and their daughter Athena Nay and son Leon. Niece – Maria Matter and her daughters Navaeh, Halina, and Tati.
She also had an extended special family: Mikal and Terry Burgess and their children, Kenny, Raven, Darlene, Geneva, and Isabel, Bruce and Debbie Johns, Mark Nay, Bennie Williams and daughter Tati, Ben Bartell and many, many more.
Pat was a beautiful and optimistic woman that enjoyed her family. She has a special relationship with her grandson Gideon. She was known to always have a snack on hand for the kids. She was always available to listen to our problems and give advice. She will be missed and will always be in our hearts. We love you Mom.
A family gathering was held on Saturday, February 22, 2014 in Missoula, with memorial services planned at a later date. For information regarding donations or services, please contact the family at 406-317-2764. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.