Patricia Anne 'Patti' Lyonais Slack, 81

On Monday, Nov. 11, 2019, our beloved wife and mother passed to eternal life surrounded by family, due to complications from a recent diagnosis of metastatic lung cancer.

Patricia Anne “Patti” Lyonais Slack was born April 3, 1938, in Sidney, Montana, to Ed and Cecilia Lyonais, joining siblings Jim, Janice, Doris and Gail. Soon thereafter, they moved to Kalispell where the family grew to include Judy and Chris. Patti attended St. Matthew’s Catholic School and graduated from Flathead County High School in 1956. She attended Business College, worked at Arnold’s Refinery, and at Wheeler Jewelry. Patti valued education and learning; she was a voracious reader and the “Book Nana” to her grandkids and great-grandkids.

On April 12, 1958, at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, she married her high school sweetheart, James A. “Jimmy” Slack. Together they found a friendship, raised a family and built a beautiful marriage of 61 years. She was secretary for Jim’s trucking and logging business until they retired in 2000. Making memories to last a lifetime, they enjoyed traveling the USA, including Alaska and Hawaii, and also Mexico.

A compassionate person and devout Catholic, Patti was always willing to make herself available to help others. She gave glory to God throughout her life and relied on him in both good times and difficult times. She was very active in her Catholic faith, first at St. Matthew’s and then at Risen Christ from the time it was started. An avid gardener, lover of nature and wildlife, Patti cherished the glory of God’s creation. Her meticulously kept gardens were a reflection of dedication to hard work and her nurturing spirit.

Founded in 1960, Patti was a charter member of the Young Mother’s Club, later called Domestic Engineers, and finally the Friendship Club. Her Club was an important part of her life, offering friendship and support. The club served the community in many ways and still meets regularly for lunch.

Family brought her the most joy. She was the one to gather everyone together for special events, holidays, and just because. Her love of family was evident to everyone who met her. Her ability to love, support and encourage her husband, kids, grandkids, great-grandkids, and friends made her treasured by all. She made sure to attend every possible event and performance: sporting, musical, academic and otherwise! Nana baked the best pies — whether apple, pumpkin, huckleberry or lemon meringue, the crust was flaky and the flavor delicious.

Patti was preceded in death by her parents; in-laws, John A. and Phloris M. Slack; siblings, Jim Lyonais, Doris Davis, Gail Mitchell and Judy Carr; and her dear niece, Danette Mitchell.

She is survived by her husband, Jim Slack; sisters, Janice Burnell of Seattle and Christine Neal of Canby, Oregon; sons, James M. Slack and David A. (Deneen) Slack; daughters, Laura A. (Paul) Putnam and Debra S. Slack-Miller; grandchildren, David A. (Laci) Slack Jr., Dustin M. Slack, Cecilia P. Putnam, Robert J. Putnam, John E. Putnam, Aggie M. Putnam and Thomas J. Putnam; great-grandchildren, Dillon A. Slack and Leah M. Slack; and brothers-in-law, John C. (Sharon) Slack, and Jerry L. (Karen) Slack. She also leaves behind many beloved relatives in Lyonais and Slack clans and many dear friends.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 17, at Risen Christ Catholic Church, with rosary to be prayed at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will take place 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 18, at Risen Christ Catholic Church, with luncheon to follow. Burial will take place following the luncheon at Glacier Memorial Gardens at 1:30 p.m.

The family suggests memorial donations be made to Risen Christ Catholic Church.