Patricia Lucille Lewis

November 2, 1942 

She was born at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Marshville,  Wisconsin. She lived with her family in Chili until 1953  when they moved to a small farm northeast of Neillsville.  Patricia grew up playing in the woods, milking cows, and  helping her father at the farm as she grew older. She lived  there until 1961 when she married Jerry G. Lewis.  

Following their marriage, they moved to Mountain Home,  Idaho. From there, they found their way to the Bitterroot Valley where they explored the wilderness, running outfitting expeditions down the Salmon River where Patricia kept the camp running and well-fed. In 1964, they welcomed their son, Shane, and shortly afterwards in 1966 they welcomed a daughter, Shannon, into the world. With this family, Patricia would make the Bitterroot her home forever. Her love for the outdoors culminated in 1984, when she had the honor of getting a Big Horn Sheep permit  and succeeded, which gained her an entry in Boone and Crockett. 

Through the years, Patricia worked various jobs in the Bitterroot and Missoula, from being a  ranch hand to working in a plywood mill, selling Avon, to running her own cleaning business. 

In 1985, Patricia and Jerry settled in a house on Dry Gulch Lane, in Stevensville, with a huge yard  and beautiful creek running through it. At home, Patricia took great pride in keeping a beautiful  yard, growing a large, productive garden, canning and preserving tons of food. Anyone who had  one of her pickles can attest to this. She also got immense joy out of sharing her knowledge of  the outdoors, camping, and homemaking with her grandchildren, who she bragged about any  chance she got. 

Patricia is preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Jerry G. Lewis, son Shane Christopher  Lewis, sisters Audrey Schommer and Sandra Heinzen, brothers Danny and Dennis Heinzen. She  is survived by her sisters Beverly James and Claudine Kirk, brother David Heinzen, daughter  Shannon (Keith) O’Brien, grandson Chad O’Brien, and granddaughter Carli O’Brien (Madison  Bolton). 

Her sense of humor, stories, and shrewd perspective on life will be missed greatly, but fondly  remembered, by her family, friends, and everyone who was lucky enough to cook over an open  fire, sip a toddy, or share a table with her.

Special thanks to the caregivers and staff at Missoula Valley Senior Living, Partners in Home Care  Hospice (Grandma says you’re the A-team!), along with the compassionate care of Just  CremaDons. 

At Patricia’s request, there will be no service.