Patsy Ann Rennaker

HAMILTON - Patsy Ann Rennaker, 79, of Hamilton passed away Thursday, February 19, 2015 in Missoula after a long battle with cancer. She was born in Hamilton on February 21, 1935 in the Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital to Chester C. and Alice L. Robinson.

Patsy was raised in Grantsdale but in 1942 the family moved to St. Helens, Oregon where her father worked in the shipyards during WWII. In 1944 the family returned to the Bitterroot where she attended schools in Grantsdale and Hamilton.

Patsy had two early marriages, and from those unions two children were born; a daughter, Terri Ann Kraft born in 1952 and a son, Robin Edward McAlpin born in 1956. On November 6, 1963 she married Loyd G. Rennaker in Salmon, Idaho. They shared over 27 happy years together. Patsy and Loyd enjoyed dancing, back country horsemen, fishing, and spending time with family. She worked at Anthony's clothing store for 30 years and received an employee of the year award. In 1974, the couple was blessed with a son, Rondo Glen Rennaker. In 1976 they traveled to Missouri where Loyd was raised and traveled on to winter in Florida. After enjoying an extended trip, Patsy returned to work at Anthony's. Patsy and Loyd loved hosting the yearly Thanksgiving dinner for the entire Rennaker family. It was an event Patsy looked forward to every year. She also made sure that every one of their many, many grandchildren received a Christmas present. In 1994, after Loyd's passing, she decided to move to Myrtle Point, Oregon to be near her son Robin and family. She worked as a receptionist at the U.S. Forest Service in Powers, Oregon. In 2000, she returned to Hamilton. Patsy loved working in her flower garden, taking trips to the coast, family picnics and watching her children and grandchildren participate in activities. She spent time volunteering at the Hamilton Senior Center.

Patsy is survived by her daughter, Terri and husband Don Briggs of Pendleton, Oregon and sons, Robin and wife Patti of Myrtle Point, Oregon and Rondo Rennaker of Darby; ten grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; sister, Louise Robinson of Hamilton; Loyd's children and their families who were very special to her. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Loyd, grandson, Jade Lemmon and a half-brother, Everett Robinson.

The family suggests that memorials be made to the Hamilton Senior Center, 820 N. 4th Street, Hamilton, MT 59840 or to Team Up Montana, C/O Providence Montana Health Foundation, P.O. Box 4587, Missoula, MT 59806.