Patsy Ruth Seery

Patsy Ruth Seery

August 18, 1926 – September 30, 2024

Patsy Ruth Seery, born on August 18, 1926, to William Robert Campbell and Ethel Valentine Campbell (née Sheets), passed away peacefully on September 30, 2024, at the age of 98, surrounded by family in her home of over 60 years. A loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Patsy lived a long, joy-filled life and is now reunited with her beloved husband, Timothy Seery.

Patsy is survived by her five children: son Mike Seery and his wife Suzan; son Tom Seery; daughter Linda Payne and her husband Jim; daughter Diane Powell and her husband Ed; and daughter Carol Van Natta and her husband Greg. She was also blessed with nine grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren, all of whom were her pride and joy. As the matriarch of the Seery family, Patsy was the heart that kept the family close, always ensuring that the bonds between them remained strong.

As a child, Patsy attended a one-room schoolhouse in Helena Flats, near Kalispell, Montana where she had fond memories of her time growing up on a farm. During her teenage years, she worked in a bomb factory in Portland, Oregon, during World War II. After high school she worked various jobs in Spokane, Washington, where she lived with the Potter family who had four girls her age. After returning home, she met and fell in love with her future husband, Tim Seery, at a dance hall in Ronan, Montana. As an only child, Patsy had always dreamed of having a big, lively family, a dream that Tim helped her fulfill.

Patsy was the ultimate family informant, ensuring that everyone stayed up to date with the news of loved ones near and far. A devoted mother and an unstoppable grandmother, she never shied away from embracing the wonder of childhood, providing her grandchildren with a safe, loving environment to be themselves.

Patsy had many passions, including shopping, reading, gardening, and relaxing at night with her favorite show, The Golden Girls. She never missed sending a birthday card, making a phone call, or giving a thoughtful Christmas present. Her warmth and generosity extended to life's big milestones, whether it was a wedding, a graduation, or a new baby. She was an active member of  First Lutheran Church where she participated in many circles, contributing to the enrichment of the community and making lifelong friends. 

Her adventurous spirit led her to make lasting memories with her family, whether joining honeymoon cruises to Mexico, jumping off cliffs in Hawaii, or ensuring her birthday was treated like a national holiday, Patsy facilitated joyful gatherings and a sense of togetherness that will be cherished forever. Patsy had a special love for animals, earning the family nickname of "Snow White." She fed and cared for the wildlife that wandered into her yard, often creating a daily gathering of ducks, deer, raccoons, and squirrels, all waiting for her nurturing touch.

Patsy's love for living beings, whether human or animal, was an essential part of who she was. In honor of her compassionate spirit, the family kindly asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to either First Lutheran Church or the Missoula Humane Society.

Patsy's legacy of love, kindness, and adventure will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. She will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.

A service to honor her life will be held at 11:00 am on October 7, 2024, at the First Lutheran Church, located at 2808 South Ave W, Missoula, MT 59804. All who wish to attend are welcome. Black clothing prohibited; please dress in bright colors to match her spirit. 

“Thank you for being a friend

Traveled down the road and back again

Your heart is true

You're a pal and a confidant.”