Helen L. Patten, 88, of Helena, passed away on Thursday, July 24, 2014. She was born on Feb. 6, 1926, in Crooked Creek Township, IL, and graduated from high school in Newton, IL. On Dec. 2, 1944, Helen married Fred Patten in Ardmore, OK. After Fred’s discharge from the military, he and Helen moved to Butte where he attended the Montana School of Mines. Fred and Helen later moved to Cut Bank and then Shelby. During this time, their children Fred, Jr., Tom, and Ann were born.
In 1964, the family moved to Helena, where Fred took a job with the Dept. of Labor. Helen was hired by Mountain Bell, where she rose through the ranks to eventually work as the state cable coordinator responsible for ordering all cable used within the state. Health complications due to rheumatoid arthritis eventually forced her to retire from Mountain Bell, but she always looked back proudly at her time there. She and Fred were active in the Montana chapter of the AARP.
Helen enjoyed the company of family, neighbors, and the many friends she and Fred had, especially the “fun seekers” with whom they shared numerous trips, dinners, and laughs. She was an avid softball player as a teenager, and followed sports throughout her life. She liked betting and cheering on the thoroughbred racehorses she owned, and rooted vigorously for the Carroll Saints, U of M Grizzlies, and Indianapolis Colts.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred, and parents, Cletus and Raymond Sinclair. She is survived by her children, Fred (Kathie), of Littleton, CO, Tom (Kathy), of Sequim, WA, and Ann (Kevin), of Helena; sisters Mary Gosnell, Jean Harvey, and Louella (Joe) White; brother-in-law A. R. “Pat” (Margaret) Patten, Jr.; grandchildren Krista (Nate) Jorgenson, Chad (Lynsey) Patten, Travis Patten, Andrew Patten, and Casie (Adam) Konrad; and great-grandchildren Connor and Chloe Jorgenson, Cayla McBride, Braxton Patten, and Alexander Patten.
Cremation is entrusted to Retz Funeral Home and a Memorial Service will be held at Retz Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, August 23rd at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of choice. Please visit below to offer the family condolences or to share a memory of Helen.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Saturday August 23, 2014
Retz Funeral Home
315 E 6th Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Saturday August 23, 2014
Retz Funeral Home
315 E 6th Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
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Pat Matthews says
My condolences to your family.
Pat Murdo says
My thoughts are with you. I meant to get to the memorial service but thought it was at 3 pm so, in lieu of that, I am holding you and your family in my thoughts.