Patsy Bull

Patsy peacefully left this world on the morning of February 7, 2024.  She was preceded in death by her mother, Leona Rhodes, her father, William Hays, sister Priscilla, brothers Robert and Richard and her own son, Robert P. Bull.  Patsy continues to be celebrated by her daughter, Angela Nichols (Raymond), granddaughters Samantha Durrant (TJ), Sierra Carlson (Cody), Rebecca Bull and Amanda Bull-Elkins and their families.

She was born November 26th, 1940 in Bon Carbo, Colorado.  She was the youngest of four siblings.  Her childhood was marked by lots of moves and trying times, which resulted in a woman of great strength and perseverance.  She left home at 15 and lived with other young women.  She graduated on the Honor Roll from Mead High School in 1959.  She had two children, Angela in 1960 and Robert in 1963.  The family lived in Frenchtown for many years, had a large garden and raised animals.  Patsy loved working in the garden, baking and canning and because of this the family bought very little from the grocery store.  She was an incredible seamstress who sewed clothing for her children, her daughter’s dolls and one-of-a kind western shirts for her son and husband.  When her kids were grown, she sewed for her son-in-law and her granddaughters.  She had booths at craft fairs selling clothing, dolls, holiday and home decor.  She was also known for the gorgeous and extremely detailed costumes she made for her granddaughters and costumes for Nutcracker performances.  There wasn’t a craft or hobby that she didn’t master including painting, stained glass art, knitting, needlepoint, crochet, furniture restoration and other décor items for her and her family’s homes.  She was very handy with tools, which she used in home building and landscaping projects.  She enjoyed sharing her passion and knowledge with her family.

For many years she was a member of the Eagles and participated in bowling leagues.  Hunting, fishing and being outdoors were also passions that she enjoyed.  She played women’s and co-rec softball and ran a marathon.  Education was important to her so she was constantly learning, reading and loved watching movies and shows where she learned about foreign cultures and languages.  She was also the first person in her family to have a home computer, which helped her stay tech savvy. 

During her lifetime she worked various jobs including at the Bon Ton Bakery, driving school bus, long-haul truck driving with her husband, The Missoulian, the Best Western Grant Creek Inn, a real estate office and finally doing medical billing with her daughter and granddaughter.  She also sold Avon, Pampered Chef and was also a Brownie leader, 4-H leader and trained as an EMT.

Patsy left her family with a beautiful photo album in which she wrote about her life’s journey.  She instilled in her daughter and granddaughters the importance of strength, determination, independence and the value of making their own money and always staying true to themselves. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to: Hestia Advantage Hospice and Palliative Care in Missoula, MT.