Myrtle Hunter Patterson, 98, of Ronan
Myrtle Edith “Toots” Hunter Patterson, 98, beloved mother and grandmother, peacefully passed away of natural causes on June 24, 2014, at St. Luke’s Extended Care Facility in Ronan. The youngest of seven children, she was born to Scottish immigrants John D. and Mary Matheson Hunter in Peabody Township; near Souris, N.D., on April 8, 1916. She was nicknamed “Toots” by her father.
As a teenager, she briefly stayed with her uncle in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where she learned the Scottish Highland Fling. When she was 16, in 1932, she was honored to dance at the formal dedication of the International Peace Garden located on the border between North Dakota and Manitoba.
A member of the Class of 1934 at Souris High School, she was senior class treasurer, and won the county spelling bee. To her final day she was an excellent speller. Toots attended Minot Normal School. She taught in a country school near Souris for two years, until Howard Sparks Patterson (“the only one she ever wanted”) stole her heart. Married for 55 years, the number eight became significant in their lives. They shared the same birthday, April 8, and were married on that day. They were eight years apart in age and had eight children. She instilled in her children a respect for education, use of correct grammar, good posture, and manners. Her unconditional love for each of her children and grandchildren was an attribute to be admired.
While living in Souris, She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, where she taught Sunday School for many years. She also acted as Cub Scouts den mother, presided over the parent-teacher association, and worked the voting polls. She was the last surviving member of the local Souris Homemakers Club. She and Howard were lifetime devoted members of the International Order of Odd Fellows and Rebeccas. Toots, a classy dresser, was very small in size at four-foot-11, and wore size four shoes. All the daughters, nieces and neighbor girls loved playing dress-up with her clothes and pretty high heels.
When the last three children were still living at home, the family moved to Libby for Howard’s employment at Libby Dam. Many new friends were made and new activities were enjoyed in this beautiful environment. Toots enjoyed being a substitute teacher and was especially gifted to work with the mentally challenged students. Upon retirement, Howard and Toots relocated to warmer weather in the high desert in Adelanto, Calif., to be near family.
Upon Howard’s passing, Toots moved to Las Vegas, Nev., to live with her son, Brian; then eventually to Ronan to be near her daughters. Toots was lovingly cared for while living at St. Luke’s Extended Care Facility in Ronan; special appreciation is given to the entire staff and Dr. Harrop for the excellent devotion and sincere regard. She enjoyed the many activities and always joined in — especially trivia, where she was known to have all the correct answers. She was honored by being voted valentine queen her first year there. She was revered for her pleasant and fun personality and especially noted for her recitations of poetry and frequent singing of the old songs of her generation — knowing all the words of each song. It is extremely heartwarming to know that the staff enjoyed our mother and thought the world of her.
Preceding her in death were her parents, siblings, loving husband, a granddaughter and a great-grandson. She is survived by her eight children Sheila (Maurice) Blada of Racine, Wisc., Frances Johnson of Downey, Calif., Karen (Gil) Gutierrez of Las Vegas, Nev., Jeanne (Ken) Newgard of Polson, Susan Hunt of Missoula, Brian Patterson of St. Anthony, Idaho, James (Donna) Patterson of Lake Isabella, Calif., and Christine (Richard) Kuschel of Missoula. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Alice Patterson of Bottineau, N.D.; many adoring nieces and nephews, especially Faye Bernstein; and dear friends Mike, Cindy and Ashley Ferguson. In lieu of flowers or a charity, please whistle, hum or sing a song to the memory of a great lady who lived a good life, was a great influence to many and will be missed by all who knew her.
Cremation has taken place. Grogan Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. A family celebration of her life will take place.