Patricia Joy Kartheiser Cheff, 85

Patricia Joy Cheff, 85, passed away Aug. 31, 2021, with her children by her side at The Retreat at Buffalo Hill in Kalispell. Pat was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt and grandmother.

She was born on Feb. 13, 1936, to Nicholas and Elizabeth Kartheiser in Spirit Lake, Idaho, and was welcomed by her brother Glen and sister Jody. Two years later the family welcomed their baby sister Phyllis. Patricia’s early years were spent in the Spirit Lake area before the family relocated to the Abbot Creek area of Martin City, Montana, in the 1940s. It was in the early 1950s when Patricia met and married the love of her life, Harry Edward Cheff. The couple began raising their family in the Abbot Creek area before moving to Columbia Falls in 1970.

Patricia’s true love in life was family and caring for her nine children and her grandchildren. She played an instrumental role in the lives of her grandchildren, leaving an indelible mark on them. Patricia always had time for family, but also made sure anyone who stopped by her home felt welcome. Many friends of her children passed through her door over the years and she became a mom to many of them as well. Patricia was her children’s biggest fan and she rarely missed sporting events, concerts, or activities that her children and grandchildren participated in. She was a proponent of education, encouraging and supporting all her children and grandchildren in their pursuit of higher education. Patricia’s children witnessed their mother’s unconditional love as she cared for her grandmother, mother and husband in their final days as she demonstrated a natural caring and loving nature.

Patricia’s passions included gardening, cooking, and she enjoyed a good game of pinochle. She learned to cook and bake from her mother and always made sure that everyone was well fed. Though she had cookbooks, she could prepare meals and desserts without the use of recipes or measuring devices. During holidays she would meticulously bake and decorate a variety of cookies, cakes and pastries for her family’s enjoyment. Patricia had a green thumb and her passion for gardening was demonstrated in the upkeep of her beautiful flowerbeds, fruitful raspberry bushes, and abundant vegetable garden.

Patricia was preceded in death by her parents Nicholas and Elizabeth Kartheiser, her sister Elizabeth Jo Anne “Jody” (Duane deceased), and her husband Harry Cheff.

She is survived by her older brother Glen (Yvonne) of Columbia Falls, and younger sister Phyllis (Gene deceased) of Missoula. Patricia is also survived by all nine children, Bob of Kalispell), Dave (Jeanne) of Columbia Falls, Tom (Sally) of Eureka, Mary Jo (Bill) Schneck of Spokane, Harry (Judy) of Helena, Jim (Kim) of Lake Blaine, Jake (Lisa) of Kalispell, Pat (Nikki) of Kalispell, and Elizabeth of Columbia Falls. Patricia is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

A celebration of her life will be held at Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls on Friday, Sept. 24, at 6 p.m. A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, Sept. 25, at Saint Richard parish in Columbia Falls at 9 a.m. A reception will follow in the basement of St. Richard.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the Alzheimer Research Foundation.

Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls is caring for the Cheff family.