Patricia Ann 'Pat' Knutson, 77
Patricia Ann ‘Pat’ Knutson, 77
Patricia Ann “Pat” Knutson, 77, of Polson, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, March 15, 2014, at home in Polson of natural causes.
She was born Oct. 4, 1936, in Ronan, the daughter of Elliott and Alice (Dupuis) Menzie.
Pat graduated from Ronan High School in 1954. She married Lilburn W. Knutson on June 4, 1954, in Polson. They would have marked their 60th anniversary this June.
Pat, a member of CS and K Tribes, was a dental hygienist for tribal health until her retirement in early 2013 at the young age of 76. Pat was proud of her service to the tribe but she was even more proud of another title — Grandma. She had 10 grandchildren, all of whom would attest to her status as the worlds' greatest.
She spent countless hours supporting her family, either in a gym or beside a field as her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren participated. She enjoyed reading and jigsaw puzzles and long visits. She loved to bake, and all her family members have fond memories of the scrumptious meals she hosted. No one ever left grandma's house without a care package.
Pat also had a large circle of friends. One of her favorite pastimes was meeting her “lunch bunch” (Carol Plouffe, Barb King, Helen Frye, Betty Erickson and many others).
Preceding her in death were her parents, Elliott and Alice; her stepmother, Marion; her sisters, Vi and Vernie; and brothers, Rudy and Jim.
Survivors include her husband, Lilburn, her daughter, Karen and Bill Ludwick, and her sons, Wes and Dixie, and Wayne and Jeannie, all of Polson; her sister, Leah Sheumaker of Huson; 10 grandchildren, Shawna Blankenhorn, Stacey Renick, Shayne Ludwick, Kati Knutson, Melissa Owen, Amanda Hagen, Sheena Moe, Katrina Knutson, Anita Kovarik and Heidi Morgan; 19 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 21 at Grogan Funeral Home in Polson, with Pastor Paul Rowold officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, Donor Services, P.O. Box 650309, Dallas, Texas, 75265-0309 or to a charity of the donor's choice.
Arrangements are under the care of Grogan Funeral Home of Polson. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com.