Patricia Jacobs

Patricia “Patty” Jacobs, 72, surrounded by family and friends, peacefully passed away Tuesday May 23, 2023 at Benefis Teton Medical Center in Choteau, MT. Patty’s family will host a “Picnic for Patty” on Saturday June 10, 2023 at 2:00 pm in the City Park in Choteau to celebrate Patty’s life. The family is asking that guests bring their own lawn chairs. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Frontier Funeral Home in Choteau.

Patty was born in January 10, 1951 to Larry and Beverly McLatchy in St. Paul, MN. In 1953, the McLatchy’s returned to Montana, settling in Hamilton. Later that year her sister Barbara was born. Patty began elementary school in Missoula, graduating from Sentinel High School in 1969. She continued her education at the University of Montana in Missoula later that fall. Unsure of what degree she wanted to pursue, Patty chose to take a break from school and began to work full time. It was during this break she met her husband, Roy. They were married February 26, 1977 at the Methodist Church in Choteau, MT. They settled in Choteau after the wedding. Their daughter Abby was born in Choteau in the spring of 1980; their son Nick was born in the summer of 1983. Patty was a devotional, supportive, understanding and loving mom to her kids until the end.

Patty never lost her desire to finish her education. After the birth of their daughter, Roy and Patty moved back to Missoula so she could finish her education. In 1984 she did just that; she graduated from UM with a bachelor’s degree in social work. In 1985 Roy and Patty returned to Choteau where she began work for the state of Montana in Child Protective Services. She was fiercely loyal and totally dedicated to her work and was fully committed to serving and protecting children and families. There was not a day she wasn’t “on call.” She submerged herself fully into her work. She had a wonderful ability to see the real part in people despite their circumstances or choices they had made. In 1992 she was awarded the Western Regional Winner Outstanding Child Welfare Award from the Child Welfare League of America. She received this honorable award in Washington, DC. She was well known and respected for her ability to work effectively with law enforcement and schools to make communities better. Patty remained dedicated to her work until her retirement at the end of 2012.

Patty received “the best birthday present ever” on her 60th birthday when her granddaughter Lili Puryear was born. Not only did they share a birthday, the shared a beautiful, strong bond that continued to grow until the end. They had a mutual love and respect for each other that was treasured. In 2014 she became a grandma again when her grandson Jaiden Puryear was born. Jaiden and Patty loved each other so much and it was one of Jaiden’s favorite things to help his grandma. He will treasure those memories forever. She fully devoted herself to being a grandma; her grandkids felt so much love for her. They knew they were deeply loved. Being a grandma was her favorite, most important role. The beautiful, unique bond Lili and Jaiden shared with their grandma will never be forgotten by either of them. As the kids got older, Patty enjoyed following them in their sporting events. She was their #1 fan. They adored her and she them. Her beautiful spirit will remain with the kids for the rest of their lives. She was the most fabulous grandma they could have ever wished for. Patty was so thankful that she got lucky enough to be involved in so many aspects of their lives. The kids have a special place in their hearts for her and they will miss her dearly.

Gardening was her favorite hobby. She loved planting and tending to her flowers and yard during the beautiful Montana summers. Those who knew her well knew she would often pass up dinner and go directly to her yard until dark after work. The Flower Farm in Great Falls was her favorite place. Hours were spent there picking out the perfect flowers.

Another great love of Patty’s was her animals, especially the dogs her and Roy raised over the years. The dogs were always considered part of their family. She would joke “if you don’t like dog hair or slobber then don’t come over!” Tending to her pets was #1 in her world. Many outings were missed or trips not taken so “the boys” were never left alone or with strangers.

Patty always said her most treasured memories outside of her grandkids were the swim team camp outs across the state in the early 1990’s with her family. She also treasured the roads trips she took with “the girls“ later in life. They enjoyed many scenic drives, ate delicious meals and most importantly enjoyed spending these special days together.

Patty touched many people’s lives. She was loved by her family and friends and will be missed. We will keep her beautiful spirit with us forever. She had the ability to say so much without uttering one word.

Patty was proceeded in death by her parents, Larry and Bev McLatchy; her in-laws, Gotch and Marion Jacobs; and her sister-in-law, Marijo Peck Jacobs.

She is survived by her husband, Roy Jacobs of Pendroy; daughter, Abby Jacobs(Rashaun Puryear); grandchildren, Lili and Jaiden Puryear of Pendroy; son, Nick (Whitney) Jacobs of Columbus, MT; sister, Barb(Mike) Ingham of Henderson, NV; brother-in-law, Dan(Karen) Jacobs if Missoula, MT; nieces, Angie Jacobs of Whitefish, MT, Molly Ingham of New York, NY; and nephew, Nate Jacobs of Henderson, NV; numerous cousins; uncle, Pat McLatchy of Seattle, WA; her best friend and confidant, Gail Dean of Great Falls.

In lieu of flowers, her family is asking for donations in her name to any charity supporting the rights and women and children.

Condolences to the family may be shared at www.frontierfuneralhome.com