Elizabeth “Tootie” Ann Mitzkus, age 100, of Rosebud Creek peacefully passed away in her home, February 9, 2024.
Tootie was born the second daughter of parents Andrew “Fritzi” and Laura “Irene” (Woods) Pattison at their home place on Reservation Creek, April 30, 1923.
She was the third child out of six, she had two brothers and three sisters. She grew up living on Rosebud Creek, attending Pleasant Hill School until the Fifth Grade. She then attended school in Rosebud graduating in 1940. After graduation Tootie attended Miles Community College where she studied Music and graduated in 1941.
In January 1943 Tootie married her best friend and the love of her life Clifford “Tex” Mitzkus. They were married 63 years at the time of his passing in June 2006. To this marriage two daughters and one son were born. They moved to their home ranch on Rosebud Creek in 1945 and lived there until the time of their deaths.
Tex and Tootie worked tirelessly on their ranch, raising their family, as well as cattle, sheep and chickens. Tootie put in countless hours working in the hay fields and their family garden. She sewed everything they wore and enjoyed sewing toys and quilts for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also enjoyed crocheting, needlework, playing her piano and canning the produce from her garden. She took great pride in the flowers and plants she worked so hard to tend. Tootie always had milk from her cows and eggs from her chickens in her fridge to share with any neighbor in need. Tex and Tootie spent a great amount of time attending the many events their children and grandchildren participated in, whether it was rodeo, sports or 4-H, they were there to show their support.
Tootie is survived by two daughters, Terry Ann Kipf of Harlowtown, Mt., Claudia Gross of the family ranch, and her son Andy (Donna) of the family ranch. Six grandchildren, Vicki White, Casey Kipf, Travis Kipf, Marty Mitzkus, Neva Beeler, and Derek Mitzkus, fourteen great-grandchildren, and numerous great great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband Tex, her parents, two brothers Bud and Tommy, three sisters Mary Jane, Midge and Jan, and one granddaughter Cara Keith.
Tootie leaves behind a strong work ethic. We can all benefit by following her principles of living her life with all her heart.
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Kay and Rocky Berdahl says
Tootie’s family,
Sorry for your loss! Thoughts and prayers are with you!
Diane M Welbes says
To the Mitzkus family–Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of loss.
Jack & Kris Crocker says
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to the family.
Steve and Tracy Vail says
So sorry!! She was good people!!
barb and jerry mickell says
your mom was such a wonderful person. I would never have learned to make button holes in shirts if not for her. Her home was. always such a safe and caring place. Barb and Jerry
Joan Leinwand says
Sending my condolences.
Amber Bunke says
My thoughts & prayers to the family.
Vikki Bradley says
So sorry for the lose of Elizabeth, she was such a spunky lady, and always had a smile on her face. Loved seeing her at her appts.
Carolina Hanley says
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Betty Vail says
What a full life she lived. I’m sorry for your loss.
Yvonne Goodson says
So sorry to hear of your loss. Thoughts and prayers for the family. May the Lords peace and comfort be with you.
Grant and Laurie Dunning says
What a life lived to the fullest. We will miss her. Sorry for your loss
Bonnie Wemmer says
Sending prayers and hugs to you!
Debbie Anderson says
Andy & Donna and family, I am so sorry about your loss. I’m sure she lived a very fulfilling life but there is always an emptiness when they leave us. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Debbie
Lena Falcon says
Andy, Donna and family
I’m sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lena
Martin and Roban Bunting says
To the Mitzkus family,Wow! 100yrs! I can only imagine all the amazing things that Tootie experienced in her lifetime!! How blessed she was to be able to live out her days at the ranch she and Tex started,surrounded by kids and grand kids! Sadly one of the last original settlers on the creek is gone along with the history of that Era. I’m guessing Tex was happy to welcome her home to heaven!Bless your family.
Jennifer Ferguson Johnson says
So sorry for your loss! You all are in my thoughts and prayers
Elaine Egeland says
Andy, Donna and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. You are all in my prayers,
Kristi Dayle says
What a blessing to have Tootie for 100 years!
Hugs and prayers to all of Tooties family 🙏
Wes Malenovsky says
SORY FOR LOSS RIF SHE WAS A FORMER NEIHBOR MAGIC
Little Richard says
No!!!! Not Tootie!!! RIP Tootie and prayers to Tootie’s family! I will miss you Tootie!
Karson and Marie Kluver says
To Tootie’s Family
Tootie was a wonderful friend and neighbor. Enjoyed stopping at her home for a cup of coffee. Her phone calls were special too. She shared memories of her younger years. but always wanted to know how our family was doing too. God Bless You. Now she is with those that went before. Lot’s of good memories.
Bill & Brenda Allison says
Andy, Donna, and family, So sorry for your loss but what a blessing to be able to have her in your lives for so long. She was a grand lady and just someone that made you feel very welcome when we went to her house. Will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers during this time of sorrow.
Carol Williams says
It was a privilege and a pleasure to know this sweet lady and and two of her sisters. They were cut from cloth not often found these days. My heartfelt condolences to her family.
Mike Thompson says
Did her nickname “Tootie” have to do with a farting problem?
Aaron & Brenda Kneeland says
Andy, Donna and family – so very sorry for your loss. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Jay and Deb Terrett says
Andy, Donna and family…we send you love and prayers. What a legacy your Mom has left to you. An example of living a simple yet soooo full life! May you be blessed with Comfort and Peace.
Dan and Lisa Lynch says
Andy, Donna and Family, So sorry for your loss.
Rebecca (Hart) Prox says
Tootie was my grandaunt. Her sister, Jan, was my grandmother. I only remember meeting Tootie once or twice when I was a child, but I remember her being a fun person. She enjoyed laughter. My deepest condolences to my extended family for this loss.
Karlys Kipf Irion says
Terry, Vicki, Casey& Travis-I’m sorry for the loss of your Mother and grandmother! Sounds like she had a very fulfilling life doing what she loved. Thoughts and prayers🌹❤️
joyce m davis says
Donna, Andy and family, I’m so glsd that Tootie was able to remain in her home , and know that it was her amazing strength of character and you loving care that helped her to do this. I send to you loving thoughts and prayers as you celebrate her life and legacy and grieve that she is no longer physically in your life. But, i am sure that you have so many memories that will comfort you in this time of grief.
Brenda Potts says
Andy, Donna and family
Condolences for the loss of your beloved mother
Don and Nina Bundy says
So sorry for your loss. . You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers
Lynn Holland says
Andy and Families
Sorry to hear this about your mother and grandmother.
She had a long and full life and seen a lot over that lifetime.
Lynn Holland