Stevenson & Sons Funeral Homes

Serving families in the Miles City, Forsyth, Lame Deer, Broadus, Circle, Jordan and Terry areas for three generations.

For Immediate Help Call
Miles City: 406-232-4457 — Forsyth: 406-346-2311

In Memory Of

Patricia Gardner, age 72, of Broadus

December 26, 1951 – March 16, 2024

A live Stream for Pat’s funeral service on Saturday can be viewed by clicking the link below:

https://boxcast.tv/view/pat-gardner-service-oia1lf4r3qgxp7pabta0?_gl=1*1r4qgte*_ga*MTY0ODg2MjM3NS4xNjAwODAwMDYz*_ga_PXBBF7HVWQ*MTcxMTAzMjE1MC43MC4xLjE3MTEwMzIyNDkuMC4wLjA.

On the evening of March 16, 2024, Patricia Ann Gardner passed away peacefully in Billings, MT, surrounded and supported by her loved ones.

Patricia Ann was born in Miles City, MT on December 26, 1951, to James C and Rose Marie “Mickey” (Shy) Phillips.  On December 25, 1951, Mickey told Jim it was time to head to Miles City for the birth of their third child, but with below freezing temperatures of -32 degrees, their car wouldn’t start.  So, they had to patiently wait for Uncle Pistol and Tony Hanic to get home and help them before the couple could head to the hospital, which was nearly two hours away.  But that wasn’t the end of the frantic trip, as only 12 miles outside of Miles City, they ran out of gas!  Pat’s life was full of adventure from the very beginning.

Pat attended grade school in Ashland and graduated from Broadus High School in 1970.  She attended Parks School of Business in Denver, CO, then moved to Billings, MT and worked at First Citizens Bank until she married her high school sweetheart, Dave Gardner, on June 22, 1974.  They lived at Hammond for three years, then moved to Broadus where Dave started his CPA office.  After Pat’s dad died in 1981, they leased the ranch in 1982 and moved to Home Creek where they raised their three boys, Josh, Tyler and Todd.  She was Clerk for School District 32J for 10 years, and when the boys were in school in Broadus, she started helping Dave at the office.  After 22 years, she decided to “retire” and spend time caring for her grandchildren, Griffin and Mariah. Spending time and playing with them was the highlight of her week.  However, she began missing people and an office atmosphere, so she went back to work part-time for the FSA in September, 2017.  When Dave retired from his CPA practice in 2019, she retired with him, and they soon began their adventures to Yuma, AZ in the wintertime.

Being a Nana was her most valued role in life and she spent the last 20 years showing everyone how to be a great one.  She has seven of the “best ever” grandkids and she enjoyed being with them whenever she could.  She was a fierce protector and they loved her as deeply as she loved them.  She may have spoiled them, but her reply to their parents was, “Nothing is going to happen to them on my watch!!”  It was never dull with Nana Pat around.  She didn’t think the TV needed to be on when the grandkids were at the house, so there was always an activity happening, typically something fun she came up with.  Cooking in the kitchen was everyone’s favorite, and the girls can all remember some crazy thing that happened as they helped Nana.  One could always see the Buick headed to Sheridan or Broadus for an activity with her grandchildren, and she loved watching their sporting events.

Pat was a member of the Fair Board, Powder River Manor Board, Sports Boosters, Chamber of Commerce, and a 4-H leader. She loved following her boys with their interests and was their number #1 fan.  Later in life, Pat fell in love with the game of golf under the mentorship of her good friend, Carole Richards.  They became longtime golf partners and spent many years on the course together.  It was undoubtedly her favorite pastime to spend with Dave, her family and friends.

Pat was loved by all who knew her, and she devoted her time to supporting others in need and causes and organizations whose mission was to help better their communities.  Pat survived cancer twice and was an inspiration to many.  The Cancer Fund was created in her honor by the Gardner family to help provide support for community members who were fighting their own cancer battle.  In Yuma, she participated in the Street Mission, providing food to the homeless.  She was an organ donor posthumously. She provided food for families over the holidays, volunteered at the St V’s thrift store in Broadus, and gifted gas cards when someone was in need.  “I’m so proud of Pat, and how she lived her life, even in death.  And she did all this ever so quietly not needing any public recognition.  That sounds like an angel among us.  My cup runneth over.” ~Dave.

Pat was incredibly witty and had the best sense of humor. You could count on her to make you laugh, even in hard times. She had an amazing way of seeing life, in the good and the bad, and her love of Jesus was her strength.  During her first battle with cancer, she would say, ‘tough times don’t last, tough people do.”  Although she was small, she was indeed mighty, and her grandkids have always thought of her as the toughest lady they know.

Pat left a special message to her sons, Josh, Tyler & Todd, and their families:

“You are the light of my life, the joy of my days, the solace in sorrow, my light in the dark, and the hope of my heart.  There was no greater joy for Dad and I than you and your children.  May you be as lucky as I have been – to love and be loved by you.” ~MOM

Pat was preceded in death by her parents, James C. and Rose Marie (Shy) Phillips, her step-father, Alvin Howard, her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Irene L. Gardner and Edwin D. Gardner, and a nephew, Geoffrey Gardner.

Pat is survived by her husband, David E. Gardner, and their three sons, Josh (Misty) Gardner of Sheridan, WY, Tyler (Kelli) Gardner of Ashland, MT, and Todd (Nicole) Gardner of Broadus, MT; seven grandchildren: Ellie, Libby, Shelbi, Kendall, Griffin, Mariah, and Nash; a brother, Dave (Cathy) Phillips of Lewistown, MT, and two sisters, Kathy (Verne) Schlepp of Miles City, MT and Peggy (Kenny) Kolka of Volborg, MT; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Family to Receive Friends will occur Friday, March 29, 2024, from 3-6pm at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Broadus, MT.  A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 30, 2024, at 1:00pm at Faith Bible Church in Broadus, MT.  A reception will follow at the Broadus Community Center.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Broadus Cancer Fund, c/o Tyler Gardner, 20 Gardner Road, Ashland, MT 59003.   Funeral arrangements are being made by Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City, and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: wwwstevensonandsons.com.  Venmo | Broadus Cancer Fund

The family would like to express its sincere gratitude and appreciation to all of the St. Vincent Regional Hospital staff who cared for Pat during her final weeks, as well as Dr. Patrick Cobb for the past 22 years of expert treatment, guidance and compassion.

 

Service Schedule

Family to Receive Friends

3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Friday March 29, 2024

Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home

Broadus, Montana 59317

View map

Celebration of Life

1:00 p.m.

Saturday March 30, 2024

Faith Bible Church

Broadus, Montana 59317

View map

View Memorial Folder

Service Schedule

Family to Receive Friends

3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Friday March 29, 2024

Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home

Broadus, Montana 59317

View map

Celebration of Life

1:00 p.m.

Saturday March 30, 2024

Faith Bible Church

Broadus, Montana 59317

View map

View Memorial Folder

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Memories

Read the thoughts and memories, then feel free to add your own.

  1. Dave and family, All of you are in my prayers as you go thru this very hard time. I’ll always remember Pat’s beautiful smile and shining blue eyes. God’s blessings.

  2. I am so very sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

  3. I remember, as a child, I thought Pat was beautiful…as an adult I appreciate that she was just as beautiful on the inside too. I am very sorry to hear of her loss, my condolences to the family.

  4. Sincerest condolences, Dave and family. We are surprised and very shocked to read of Pat’s passing. May a plethora of fond memories comfort you and bring peace to your grieving hearts.

  5. Sincerest condolences to Dave and family. I’m really shocked at her passing. She had dealt with this disease for ever and had many great outcomes. Loved her dearly. Memories are many and dear. Prayers to you all.

  6. Jerry and I are aching for Pat’s loved Ones, Dave and family. The LORD promises that He is with us wherever we are.
    We pray that each of you are resting in that blessing!
    Do take care with that giving you comfort.

  7. O, … my goodness! Dave, I’m so sorry for your loss!!! I’ll be praying for you & your family.

  8. Dave, Josh, Tyler, Todd and families. I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  9. Dave and family…so very sorry for your loss of Pat…have you & all the family in thoughts and prayers..

  11. Dave and family … thinking of you all during this sad time. Pat was a wonderful lady, we were blessed to know her.

  12. So sorry to hear of Pattie’s passing. We went to school together but then went our separate ways. When I moved back to Montana, I did stop in Broadus to see her. She was as beautiful as she always was. Although I didn’t know her family, I’m sending my deepest sympathy to them for their loss. She is now with her loved ones that went before her. May she rest in peace!!

  13. Dave and family. So very sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. She was such a sweet gal, and I know you will miss her greatly. May your memories sustain you in this time of grief Our deepest sympathy to you all.

  14. Dave, Josh, Tyler, Todd , Peggy and families, Praying for you all to find peace during this difficult time. Pat will be missed by everyone who knew her. She was such a kind person with a sweet smile. We will never forget that about her. God Bless

  15. Dave and all Pat’s family- our hearts ache with yours. I cherish every memory of Pat – her grace, her tact, her steely strength and probably most of all, her sharp wit and ever ready sense of humor. She will continue to brighten our lives through our memories of her. Our thoughts are with you,

  16. Our condolences to Pat’s loved ones. Her beauty, her gracious heart and her strengths will always be remembered. Our thoughts are with you.

  17. Dave and family,
    It was a blessing to have been known Pat. My daughter and I loved golf league with her. Our visits were always about her family and especially the grandkids. Once in awhile we would slide in a visit about a sewing project or two. She will be greatly missed by all. Send Gun love and prayers to you all.

  18. Dave & all of Pat’s families. So sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. It was always so nice to cross paths with you guys. She could make anyone’s bad day a good one with just her beautiful smile/grin. Such a beautiful woman inside & out. Hugs to you all.

  19. Dave, boys, and family- so sorry for your loss.

    Pat was one of a kind and will be missed so much by everyone!

    Prayers to all of you during this difficult time.

  20. Dave, Josh, Tyler Todd, Peggy and Families – my heart breaks for each of you with the loss of Pat. Another sun ray of our community has gone out. Pat and Dave were some of the first people I met when Bill and I moved to this country; whenever we had a chance to visit, you knew she was genuine, our gold. Her infectious smile and laugh will live on in the memories of all who knew her. God has gained another angel. Hugs and prayers to you all.

  21. Dave and family,

    Condolences to your family at this difficult time.

  22. Dave and family, Pat’s beauty and grace , her tenacity and generosity have touched many people. I am sending love and prayers to all of you. Pat will be missed at home and at her new part-time home in Yuma.

  23. Our thoughts and Prayers go out to all the family. Pat was a very special lady and will be deeply missed.

  27. Our hearts are heavy for your family in this time of sadness at Pat’s passing. Extending prayers for your comfort.
    She was truly a gem and we will miss her greatly

  28. Dave,
    Just know I am thinking of you and your boys and praying for strength and peace of your hearts and minds. It’s not easy but there is a path there that we all get to travel at some time. I can’t even remember a time that I didn’t know Pat and I know she leaves a hole in your hearts, lives and community. It was always a special moment when those eyes would twinkle and she’d have a witty comment to make!

  30. Dave and Family, my heart felt sympathy for all of you as you go through the loss of Pat . She was a Beautiful and Sweet Lady . I am praying for Gods Strength and Healing Grace and Peace at this time.

  31. The Gunnare family sends love to all of you and we remember fondly our Ashland adventures with the Gardner family. Eastern Montana lost a good soul. Take Care.

  33. Dave boys and families and Peggy and family. This breaks my heart. Pat was such a wonderful person. She fought a hard fight. The heavens must be much brighter with this special angle there. Prayers and hugs to all of you.

  34. My love and prayers to the family. Take care of each other. God got another angle who will watch over you.

  35. Dave:
    Very sorry to read of Pat’s passing. I mostly knew you and her sister Kathy. My mom and Pat’s mom were good childhood friends. I very much value our friendship and professional relationship. Condolences and best wishes to all.

  36. Pat was always such a joy to be around! She will be GREATLY missed by all who knew her. Loves and prayers to all her family and friends.

  37. You can’t write a message that says enough to compliment the blessing that it is to know Pat. An absolutely beautiful person (inside and out) who will be greatly missed. Heartfelt sympathy to Dave and family. Let the memories of Pat live with you forever and bring you peace.

  39. I only knew Pat through the stories of her son, Josh. She sounded like an amazing woman and had a life well lived. Our family’s condolences to the entire family.

  40. Dave and family, I’m so sorry for your deep loss. Pat always a very upbeat, positive person. She will be deeply missed by her family, and the many friends she made through the years. My thoughts and prayers are with you. 🙏🙏
    Carol Mellor Hanrahan

  41. Dave and family, I’m so sorry for your deep loss. Pat always a very upbeat, positive person. She will be deeply missed by her family, and the many friends she made through the years. My thoughts and prayers are with you. 🙏🙏
    Carol Mellor Hanrahan

  42. Heartbreaking to lose such a wonderful lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dave and Pat’s family as they begin this journey without her. This world has lost another Angel.
    Wendy and Charlie Schweich

  43. So sorry for your loss She was a GRAND LADY You all are in our thoughts and prayers.

  44. You are in our thoughts and prayers. She was a GRAND LADY . So sorry for your loss.

  45. Of the family I only know Todd but know him well as he & I have been great friends for years since I began bow hunting at Gardner’s. I know that the best way to honor Pat as time passes is to begin with a smile & say “Remember When” and then tell of the many times she put others first and her adventures. May the peace of Jesus Christ be with you all…..Krista (Doc) & Kerry (Whitie) White

  46. I remember Pat through 4-H and high school. Always a beautiful smile and a twinkle in her eyes. May memories help you through this difficult time.

  48. Dave and all of Pat’s family. Sincere condolences from Jane and I. Pat’s reputation for an exemplary path of life for family, friends and community is well known to many in Montana and Wyoming. God Bless her!

  49. Heaven has certainly gained another angel! I am heartbroken for your family, extended family and community. What an incredible, kind and beautiful soul. She will be missed beyond measure. Prayers for peace and comfort have gone up for each and every one of you!

  50. May condolences go out to all of Pat’s family. I remember Pat from 4-H n Broadus High School. Blessings to all of you.

  51. Dave and family, There are no words. She will be missed by so many. She was such a joy. Prayers and love to you all

    The Aye’s

  52. Dave and families, we are so very sorry for your loss. Pat was an amazing, kind and generous soul. She will be missed dearly. Love, hugs and prayers for you all.

  55. Dave and family, So sorry for your great loss. Pat was such a special person and will be greatly missed. Will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.

  56. Dave and family, we are so sorry for your loss of Pat. We fondly remember back to the “Cousin’s Family Reunion” at the ranch. Your entire family were such great hosts and Pat did her part to make us, almost strangers, enjoy that day so much. She will be missed.

  57. Condolences to all of Pat’s family, what a lady and what a family she raised.

  58. Pat was such a joy to be around. She was so fun and sincere. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. You are all so blessed to have had such a wonderful lady in your lives.

  59. I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Pat.
    I knew her family when I was growing up in Ashland.
    My prayers are with the family at this time.

  60. From the 9 Hole Ladies Golf Club in Yuma, we all would like to express our sincere thoughts and prayers to the family of Pat. She was a wonderful woman and loved by all. Her soft spoken words and kindness was treasured by all. We will miss her tremendously. We know we all gained another angel on our shoulder helping us through each day.

  61. Sending along my sympathy to the Phillips and Gardner families for the loss of your loved one.

  62. Dave snd Familes condolences sent at this difficult time with the loss of your Pat. Such a wonderful , beautiful, amd caring person. I will always remember her sparkling icy blue eyes and beautiful smile. She was a jewel to so many people. She leaves a hole in the hearts of her families, friends and community. What a strong woman. Prayers sent to all of you.

  63. Dave and Boys, Peggy & families I’m so sorry to hear about Patty. She was a ray of sunshine!! She will be missed

  64. Dave and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Pat was a very special and good person.

  65. Our deepest condolences to you all. We are so very sorry. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.

  67. Legacy. Pat is one who because of the way she lived is leaving a grand legacy behind — both in her very beautiful, thoughtful, and witty family, and also in the local cancer fund. She will continue to be a blessing. I will miss her dazzling smile and dancing blue eyes directed my way. We send our deep sympathies and condolences to all Pat’s family.

  68. Dear Gardner family,

    I want to express my sincere sympathy for the loss of such a wonderful soul! I am unable to attend the funeral, but I want the family to know I’m thinking of you!

  69. I read the beautiful tribute of Pat to my mom, Ellen Smith. My mom and I send our love and prayers to all your family. We are so sorry for your loss. Pat is now in the arms of Jesus. My mom said she taught Pat in school and has fond memories.

  70. I read the beautiful tribute of Pat to my mom, Ellen Smith. My mom and I send our love and prayers to all your family. We are so sorry for your loss. Pat is now in the arms of Jesus. My mom said she taught Pat in school and has fond memories. She always laughs when she remembers the class that Pat, Doug and David were in. God bless you all.

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