Patty Shelton, 72

Patty Shelton, 72, died Friday, Dec. 21, 2012 , in Mesa, Ariz.

She was born May 30, 1940, in Great Falls to Raymond and Janet Kennedy.

Patty graduated from Havre High School in Havre in 1958.

She married Vernon Seaman in 1958 in Havre. Patty and Vernon had two children, Garry and Michael Seaman. They were later divorced in 1979. In 1987 she was married to Charlie Shelton of Kalispell.  Charlie and Patty enjoyed spending their winters in Arizona.

Patty was known in the Flathead Valley as a successful self-made businesswoman. She made a significant impact in the modular home business that first began over 45 years ago when she and her first husband started Seaman Homes. She always enjoyed the business, liked people and loved visiting with customers, who she treated as friends. She was also dedicated to meeting the needs of her employees, who she included as extended family. With her positive professional manner, Patty was respected as a businesswoman, admired by her peers and loved by many.

In May 2001 and January 2002, Patty was featured as the cover story in “Montana Woman” magazine.  “When meeting with Patty, the first thing you notice is her genuine smile and the ever-present twinkle in her eye. The second thing you may notice is her signature style and professional mannerisms. She has a sincere caring personality that offsets her no-nonsense business style.” She was first featured for her business savvy and how she became a successful businesswoman. She was later featured for receiving an invitation from the governor to attend an evening with President Bush. She and Charlie flew to New York but were unable to meet the president due to planning that was going on to attack the terrorists.  She did, however, meet Vice President Cheney and she reported that as being one of the most exciting days of her life.

Her family was important to her always. She managed time for work and family. She especially adored her grandchildren and held much grandmotherly pride for them. She loved the Flathead Valley and felt fortunate that her grandchildren could live and grow up in the valley.

She loved all children and was quoted once as saying, “One of the reasons I love little kids so much is that they say what they think. They say it how it is. Children are our future and we need to encourage them to be honest and outspoken,” a statement that showed her sincere caring for mankind. Patty was a wonderful person trying to make the world a better place.

Patty was also a very talented homemaker, skilled in cooking, sewing, decorating and gardening. She enjoyed traveling and art.

Patty was proud of her family heritage and often recalled her grandmother, whose maiden name was Fleming and who came from Oslo, Norway. She was also the very first woman to homestead in the state of Montana on some 10,000 acres and was one of the last surviving Spanish-American War nurses. She loved the story of how her grandpa Phalen had come over from Ireland and had met her grandmother in Cuba, and followed her back to Havre.

She was preceded in death by her father, Raymond Kennedy; her mother, Janet Konopatzke; and her siblings, Michael Kennedy and Janet Trochie.

She is survived by her husband, Charlie Shelton of Kalispell; two children, Garry Seaman and Michael Seaman of Kalispell; six grandchildren, Gregory Seaman, Kayla Seaman, Clark Seaman, Madison Seaman, Eric Seaman and Justin Seaman, all of Kalispell; and longtime companion and caregiver, Lili Rosselli.

Please join us in the celebration of Patty’s life at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 2 at St. Matthew’s Catholic Parish, 602 South Main St., in Kalispell. A reception will be held at the Elks following burial at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Patty’s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Patty’s Tribute wall, offer condolences and share memories.