Patricia A. Avants

Patricia A. Avants

Patricia Ann (Olson) Avants, 72, of Hamilton, MT, died peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer at her son and daughter-in-law's home in Billings, MT on November 15, 2010.

Pat was born on September 24, 1938 in Seattle, WA to Barney and Irene (Miller) Olson. She was raised in Metaline Falls, WA and graduated from Metaline Falls High School. She attended Washington State College and worked for Pend Oreille Mines and Metals prior to marrying Wayne A. Avants, her best friend, on February 21, 1960 in Metaline Falls, WA.

Pat was a loving partner for Wayne in his career with the Forest Service. Their travels included tours in Orient, WA; Lemmon, SD; Troy, MT; Whitefish, MT; Sula, MT; and Hamilton, MT.

Pat was a loving mother, grandmother, and friend. She cherished her children and grandchildren with a love that knew no bounds. No one was prouder of family than Pat. She loved to share with friends the scholastic and athletic accomplishments of her grandchildren.

Her favorite place was the family cabin on Lake Thomas in NE Washington. She loved the days spent with family at the cabin while lounging on the deck and swimming in the lake.

Pat was an avid football fan especially for her beloved MSU Bobcats. Her love of football was founded through her father, a former running back for the University of Oregon Ducks.

She attended the First Presbyterian Church and was a member of PEO. She loved to cross stitch, knit, read, and conquer crossword puzzles. She loved music and the arts especially art that captured chickadees. Her last days were spent in laughter and surrounded by family. She had a laid-back personality and a quick wit.

Pat was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne, and her parents. Her family includes her son, Rick and wife Julie of Fromberg, MT and grandchildren Lindsay, Kalli, and Jeffrey; daughter Jo Ann Todd and husband Jame and grandchildren Tyler, Austin, and Trey, all of Bismarck, ND; son Scott and wife Jennifer of Billings, MT; sister Sally Jo and husband Gene Kemper of St. John, WA; brother-in-law Dennis and wife Cyndi Avants of Fresno, CA; three nieces and two nephews; and her very close and dear friend Donna Steffensen among other beloved family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Marcus Daly Hospice of the Bitterroot, 1200 Westwood Drive, Hamilton, MT 59840 or RiverStone Hospice 123 S. 27th Street, Billings, MT 59101-4200

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Marcus Daly Hospice, RiverStone Health Hospice and nurses, Home Care Services, and her doctors, Dr. Michael Snyder, Dr. Lawrence Brouwer, Dr. Luke Channer, and Dr. Dwight Hager. And a very special thank you to Pinkie Scott.