Lois S. Patterson, 85

Lois S. Patterson departed from her loved ones on Nov. 1, 2008, in Bozeman. She was born July 18, 1923, in Sandpoint, Idaho, to Floyd B. and Edith R. Satterlee and was the oldest of four children.

Her early life was spent on a ranch at Pack River, Idaho. While she was in elementary school, the family moved to Sandpoint, and then to Omak, Wash., when she was 16 years of age.

Lois met her future husband, William H. Patterson, during her high school years. After graduation and a year at Eastern Washington College, Lois and Bill were married Sept. 12, 1942. They made their first home in Kalispell, where Bill worked for KGEZ radio. Daughter Jean was born in 1943.

Bill entered the Navy during World War II, while Lois returned to Omak, worked at a pharmacy, cared for Jean and waited for Bill to return. Upon his discharge they returned to Kalispell, where in 1947 son Bruce was born, followed by son Kenneth in 1949.

In 1950, the family moved to Spokane, where Bill worked in radio and television broadcasting. In 1954, Bill and Lois co-founded KOFI radio in Kalispell. Lois was always an active partner in the business.

Lois loved to garden and was proud of her iris collection. She thought they were absolutely beautiful with their variety of colors and delicate blooms. She learned to paint and left a number of paintings for the family to treasure. Her evenings were spent writing in her diaries and doing needlework and quilting. Her quilts were all hand-stitched and perfectly done. Lois and the family enjoyed camping, sailing and relaxing at their summer home on Lake Blaine. She was also very active in ski-racing organizations while Bruce and Ken were racing.

After the sale of KOFI radio, Lois and Bill retired to Port Angeles, Wash., where their home overlooked the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Lois loved looking out over the water and watching ship traffic. After Bill died in July 2008, she moved to Bozeman to be near Bruce.

Lois is survived by her daughter, Jean Robinson and Bill of Bastrop, Texas; son, Bruce Patterson and Pam of Bozeman; grandchildren, Eric Gow, Janet Bryce and Misty Patterson; and two step-grandchildren, Brad Kaneen and Terry Robinson. Also surviving are two brothers, Royce Satterlee and Ruth of Kalispell, and Don Satterlee and Fran of Sea Tac, Wash.

Lois was preceded in death by husband, Bill; son, Kenneth; step-grandson, Ryan Kaneen; and sister, Alice Mihelitch.

Cremation has taken place and, at her request, no services will be held.

Remembrance donations may be made to any hospice program.