Patricia Binger, 80

Patricia Sue Binger, 80, was born in Long Beach, California, on Oct. 1, 1944, to Margaret and Hiram Hovick. Ten days later, having never even met her, her father was killed in a DC-3 crash while on a food dropping mission in the Burma/India area during World War II. Pat and her mother then moved to Minneapolis to be closer to family, where Pat subsequently grew up. When Pat was 16 years old, her mother remarried, Russell Renstrom. Pat had to move from the city to Willmar, switching high schools her senior year. Pat went on to graduate from St. Cloud State, where she met James M. "Mac" Binger. 

In 1967, she married Mac, the love of her life. While he flew two tours in the Navy during the Vietnam War aboard the USS Coral Sea aircraft carrier, she was an elementary teacher in Wayzata, Florida and California. When Mac finished his service, they returned to Minnesota briefly, where they welcomed daughter Erika Lynn. They then moved onto a ranch they purchased in Big Arm, where children, Meghan Marie and Benjamen McKnight, were born.

Pat was an active member and president of Western Montana Cattlewomen, supportive of her church circle, a Campfire and 4-H leader, active in Bible studies, co-author of a "Chronological Biblical Character Study," a member of PEO and a director of the McKnight Foundation. Pat was always present at her children's activities and was especially proud of their lives.

Pat was full of energy, ideas and ambitions. After her children left home and she was an empty nester, she had more time to implement some of them. A few of her favorites included purchasing All In Stitches — More Than A Quilt Shop, which she bought because she didn’t want to see another business in town close. Although quilting was a hobby of hers, owning and operating a store was an entirely new adventure. She found it both challenging and rewarding and rose to the task. She wrote and published, "Rancher’s Wife," a book documenting the surprising adventures and challenges she faced living on the ranch; held "Cousin's Camp," an ambitious and sometimes overwhelming week with the grandchildren to instill values, connect with each other and create memories; and commissioned "Petra-The Flathead Lake Monster," a beautiful sculpture, to give our community something that could draw people in and create a sense of pride and culture. 

Although Pat and Mac enjoyed traveling to many places, Pat enjoyed the trips with family and friends the best. 

Pat is survived by Mac, her beloved husband of 57 years; and her children, who she considered her greatest gift, Erika, Meghan and husband, Zeke (Brown); Ben and wife, Anne (Paulson); as well as her beloved grandchildren, Shayden and Quincy Brown; Holden, Samuel and Maizy Binger.

Pat passed away to be with her Savior on Feb. 27, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones. We are at peace knowing she is singing, laughing and dancing in heaven until we meet again.

There will be a celebration of life held on Saturday, May 10, from 9:30 to 11:15 a.m., with a program at 10 a.m. at the Polson Boys and Girls Club. Dress festively, she wants it to be a party! In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Boys & Girls Club of the Flathead Reservation and Lake County.