Patricia E. Hanlan passed away on November 30, 2025 at St. Vincent’s hospital in Billings, Montana with her sister Evelyn by her side.
Patricia was born in Gillette, Wyoming on February 4, 1947. Her parents were Everett and Emerine Hanlan and she joined her older sister Evelyn. Pat was raised on the family ranch on Butte Creek west of Biddle, Montana. She enjoyed all of the ranch animals, especially the mares and colts, and spent many hours riding bareback and taking care of the horses. Her love of horses would continue her entire life. Pat also loved to travel and visit with friends.
In early years, Pat’s mother taught both girls at home. The two girls attended various country schools where their mother taught, including Baking Powder School, Rumph School and Moorehead School. Pat moved to Broadus in 1962 to start high school and graduated from Powder River County high School in 1966. After high school, she attended Black Hills State College, graduating with a teaching degree in 1969.
Pat taught school for 30 years, teaching kindergarten through 8th grade. She taught at Alzada, Belle Creek, Biddle, Ekalaka and Lodge Grass. She also served as Superintendent of Public Schools in Carter County.
Pat returned to Broadus after retiring from the education system. She worked at the Powder River Manor and the Powder River Historical Museum. She volunteered at the museum with Dick Dinstel and in 2017 she became one of the directors and also served as vice-president for several years. Pat was always there to provide cookies and ideas for other volunteers.
Pat was a lifetime member of the VFW Auxiliary Post 1595. She took on the role of Buddy Poppy Chairman in 2014 and worked more than a decade raising money through the sales of pf buddy poppies to support veterans and VA hospitals.
Pat was also a long-time member of the Congregational Church in Broadus and a member of Eastern Star.
For years Pat purchased piggy banks and presented them to newborn babies in the surrounding area. As a former teacher, she felt that every child should have a savings for an education.
Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Everett and Emerine Hanlan, her brother-in-law, Daniel Kraft, and uncles Floyd and Raymond Hanlan. She is survived by her sister, Evelyn Hanlan Kraft.
Funeral services will be held on November 6, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. at the Congregational Church in Broadus, Montana. Interment will follow at the Pioneer Cemetery in Broadus, Montana. Should friends desire, memorials can be made to the Powder River Historical Society.
Service Schedule
Visitation
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Thursday November 6, 2025
Powder River Congregational Church
Broadus, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
1:30 p.m.
Thursday November 6, 2025
Powder River Congregational Church
Broadus, Montana 59317
Service Schedule
Visitation
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Thursday November 6, 2025
Powder River Congregational Church
Broadus, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
1:30 p.m.
Thursday November 6, 2025
Powder River Congregational Church
Broadus, Montana 59317
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Andrea Rice says
Evelyn, I am so sorry for your loss. I will miss visiting with Pat. Our condolences to you.
Ginger says
I’m gonna miss you, dear Auxiliary Poppy Lady!
Evelyn, sincere sympathies.
Sandra Trucano says
So sorry to hear of your loss; she was always cheerful and had good visits with her.
Betty Collins says
My sympathy Evelyn. You have wonderful memories that you made together. Hold them close to you and they will carry you through these difficult times. God Bless you. Rest in peace Pat.
Tracy Thomas says
Evelyn I’m so sorry to hear about Pat. She will be remembered fondly.
Pam and Dave Nisley says
Oh Evelyn, I am sooo sorry!! I am praying for you for comfort!
I loved when I would see you sisters out on a highway drive, sharing this corner of our world!
We care deeply for your loss and are here for you in any way!
Much love, BIG hugs and prayers in the coming months. ❤️
Janet & Gerald Himelspach says
Evelyn, so sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. Our sympathy to you. May your memories sustain you.
Don bidwell says
Sorry to see this rip dear friend pat
Jim and Kathy Bowers says
Evelyn, so sorry for your loss. Pat was a very special person. Always thinking of others, like giving the babies special piggy banks and spending time visiting elderly at the Manor. May God wrap his loving arms around you in this time of sorrow. Peace be with you!
Carole Carey says
Evelyn, I was shocked to learn of her passing. I worked at the Courthouse when she was Superintendent of Schools in Carter County. I enjoyed her, and occasionally was in touch with her later. My sympathy goes out to you as this will be so difficult for you. She always talked about you so lovingly, I feel I know you. Prayers go with you.
Sylvia Zimmer says
Evelyn… so sorry to hear this.. Pat was such a giving person, from poppy sales to reading faithfully to the residents and to collecting donations for the bird feeders at the Manor. She kept busy helping the elderly.. Prayers are with you..
Lucky Teigen Grummons says
Oh Pat thank you for giving my Tansie a good start in school when you were in alzada. We were blessed and how whenever l saw you anywhere you always said hello and asked how the kids were doing. God be with your family and friends.
Vanna Byrd says
Oh, Evelyn,
I am so very shocked and so sorry to hear about Pat. I can’t think of anyone that knew Pat that won’t be heart broken. She was one of a kind. Hugs to you.
Vanna
Bob and Carolyn Traub says
So sorry to hear of Pats passing. Sending our thoughts prayers. Bob and Carolyn Traub
Carol L Hanrahan says
Evelyn, I’m so sorry for your loss of Pat. I always enjoyed my visits with her when mom was in the NH. You’re in my thoughts and prayers as you go through the difficult days ahead.
Carol Mellor Hanrahan
Mary Alice Mangen says
Evelyn I am so sorry for your loss. I had no idea Pat was not doing well. Pat was always so good about asking of my grandkids. She was always saying how she loved to bring your Dad to the bulls so he could visit. He also loved the dinner. Hugs and prayers to you.
Mary Alice
Cynde & Randy Trucano says
Evelyn,
So sorry to hear about Pat! I remember when she helped my dad at the museum. He couldn’t have done it without her. Prayers to you🙏❤️
Cathy McDowell says
So very sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. Knew her through Easter Star with my folks. Visited with her at the Health Fair this spring! Our sympathy!
Joyce Holmes Raschkow says
I am so sad to hear of Pat’s passing. She was a great lady. Prayers and Hugs
Jon Allison says
Pat & I went to the 1ST grade while her mother Emerine taught at Blacktail school,RIP!