Patricia A Neiffer, 90, of Miles City MT passed away on Tuesday, August 17, 2021 after complications of surgery in Billings MT.
Pat was born on April 9, 1931 the first child of Howard and Tessie Haughian Billing in Miles City. She had the honor of being the first grandchild on both sides of the family. She would be later joined by brothers Frank (deceased) and Leo Billing and sister S. Edla McKerlick to complete their family. As the start of this large brood, she would end up with 78 first cousins.
Her first years were spent at the Seidentopf place at the end of Leighton Blvd in a sheep wagon. After several other moves, the final stop was at the N-N Ranch north of Miles City. Pat spent 8 years at the Hartwick and Fairview country schools. She graduated from Sacred Heart Catholic School in Miles City in 1949. Three years of Nurses Training at Miles City completed her schooling years.
Patricia married Victor Neiffer of Miles City on June 20, 1953. While Vic was in the Air Force, they resided at Tacoma WA until his discharge. They returned to Miles City and have resided here till the present time. She had a 47 year career as a Nurse in Miles City. Starting in 1953 at Garberson Clinic for Dr. Treat, Pat also worked at Holy Rosary Hospital and finished her career at the Custer County Rest Home as the Director of Nursing.
Cooking, especially her Cinnamon Rolls, was one of her favorite pastimes. This started when she was 13 years old cooking for her Dad at the N-N Ranch on Crow Rock at their lambing camp. She was very proud of the fact that she could do this job on her own at such a young age.
Playing the piano was another favorite activity. Pat played by ear and could play any song after just hearing it a couple of times. She played many years as part of the Billing family at local dances. When she wasn’t playing, she was on the dance floor – if she could have done both at the same time she would have loved it.
Giving of her time and efforts to help others in her community was very much a part of her personality. The Soup Kitchen, RSVP, Drop In Center, Convent Keepers are just a few of the places that benefitted from her help. She was a long-time member of the Range Riders Reps and served as their President. Pat was a member of St Gerards Circle at Sacred Heart Church for over 60 years.
Pat must own the record of attending the most funerals in Miles City, maybe even the state! She felt bad if someone had nobody to attend at their funeral so there she would be. She assisted at Stevenson’s as their official server during funerals serving coffee and cookies for years.
Pat was preceded in death to her husband, Vic Neiffer; her parents, Howard and Tessie Billing; her brother, Frank Billing and her in-laws, Gus and Helen Neiffer.
Patricia is survived by 4 children: Sheila Brown (Dean) of Billings, Bobbi Hanks (Randy) of Billings, Tim (Robin) of Miles City and Todd (Liz) of Miles City; 10 Grand-children: (Bobbi) Bridget Dodge (Levi), Ryan Hanks (Lindsey), Anya Freitag (Chad) and Jill (Will) Graber (Tim) Tabitha Neiffer (Paul Merwin), Tiffany (Kyle) Pryor and Tristan (Derek) Hammermeister (Todd) Larisa Watson (Robbie Shores), Tanner Neiffer and LaToya Gardner (Brian); 2 Step Grand-children: Andrea, Heather; 23 Great-Grandchildren: Natalya, Victor, Audrey, MyKenna, Peyton, Savannah, Wyatt, Brenan, Brodie, Brylee, Brayden, Bridger, Ramsey, Keller, Kage, Karter, Finley, Jazzmin, Kyra, Bryan, Brantley, JJ, Kayonne; 2 Step Great-Grandchildren: Avi, Hallie.
She is also survived by sister Edla McKerlick, brother Leo Billing (Judy), Nephews Reg (Kallie) and Ben Billing, Kenny McKerlick and Niece Peggy Logan (Dennis)
She was also Grandma Pat to many, many friends of her grand and great-grandchildren over the years. Countless cookies, cinnamon rolls and cupcakes were made and consumed at her house. Nobody every left hungry especially when it came to sweets!
So Long Our Wonderful Lady! We will miss you forever….
Family will receive friends on Friday, August 20, 2021 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home with a Rosary/Vigil Service to follow at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, August 21, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City. Rite of Committal will follow in the Old Calvary Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Wake Up and Lace Up, Erin’s Hope Project or the charity of one’s choice.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday August 20, 2021
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rosary & Vigil
7:00 p.m.
Friday August 20, 2021
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 a.m.
Saturday August 21, 2021
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N. Montana Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday August 20, 2021
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rosary & Vigil
7:00 p.m.
Friday August 20, 2021
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 a.m.
Saturday August 21, 2021
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N. Montana Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Kim Smarsh says
My sincere sympathy and prayers to Pat’s family. May the perpetual light shine upon her.
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
Todd, Tim and all Pat’s family,
I am so saddened to hear of your Mom’s passing. She was always so kind and gracious to me and all the Willson family over the years and we all loved her very much. May you be comforted in knowing how much she meant to so many people. Treasure your memories.
Dolores H. Steiner says
D0lores H. Steiner
To all of the Neiffer and Billing family.
Prayers go out to all of you. I have many memories of PAT working with her though the years at the Custer Co. Rest Home and Holy Rosary. Rest in Peace. You will be missed.
Richard and LInda Meidinger says
So sad to hear about Pat passing. Always loved her. Worked with her at HRH when I first move to MC. OUr thoughts and prayers at with her family at this time. May she rest in peace. May your memories help make this sad time easier through this difficul time. God Bless.
sherri swanson says
I was so sorry to hear about Pat. She was a true pillar in the community for as long as I can remember. My mom and I both worked with her at the County Rest Home in the 80’s and 90’s. She was a great advocate for the elderly and had so much compassion for each resident. I knew Todd throughout school and then Tim had girl’s around my son, Josh’s, age who were all good friends. As gruff as Pat could sound, when those grandkids and their friends came around, she was the biggest softie out there! The memory that stands out the most in my mind of the grandkid’s school days is when Josh and Tristan were senior’s and they had a dinner before prom at one of their friend’s houses. The parents were invited as well and Pat came along with Robyn. We got the kids fed and off to get pictures and to go to the grand march and we stayed behind to eat and help clean up. It was a hot, May afternoon and Pat was in a chair by the punch bowl and had a few glasses to keep cool. Unknown to any of us, the kids had spiked the punch and poor Pat couldn’t get out of the chair! She couldn’t imagine what was wrong with her but it didn’t take us parents long to figure out what had happened. She thought it was so funny, while the rest of us were horrified!! In later years, we saw Pat out and about nearly everywhere we went. Last December, I had to make the decision to put my mom into an assisted living facility and I found out the one I was looking at is where Pat was currently residing. Knowing she was there gave me piece of mind because I knew how welcome she would make my mom feel, which she did. They sat together at meals and Pat would go to mom’s room daily to check on her and encourage her to come down for coffee or to listen to her play the piano. She was forever the nurse, even once she was the patient. A more caring person would be difficult to find. My mom will miss Pat dearly but I am so thankful Nurse Pat was there to get her settled into her new home! My thoughts and prayers are with each of the family members as you say your difficult good bye’s. Please know that Pat touched most people in this community in a special way and we will all miss her presence. She was truly a gift.
Jenny Hickox says
My dearest Pat when I learned of the news my heart just broke. I am saddened that you are gone, I am not ready to say goodbye! I am going to miss our time together. I remember the first time we met you came whipping that car up in the parking lot. You told me then you could hear southern draw when I spoke. Then we met again you introduced yourself as Pat but said, your stage name was Veronica and just laughed about it. The stories you shared with me. I will never forget you, you are dear to my heart and you are a special friend I will forever treasure.
My heart and prayers go out to all of her family and friends. May she live on through our memories and never be forgotten!!
Jenny N. Hickox and family
Darlington, South Carolina/ Miles City, Montana
Sherry Stoltz says
So sorry for your loss. Pat was a wonderful nurse and person. She was my boss when I moved to miles City in 1985. I have many great memories of her. She will be greatly missed ❤️
Diane M Welbes says
Thoughts and prayers to the family.
Bucky Billing says
To my dear cousin, and grand lady Pat Neiffer. The first of many grandchildren of Reg and Edla Billing. You will be missed by all of the family. Your tireless energy of being an RN caring for your patients, to making every family function, playing piano for seniors, dancing, the list could go on and on. I will cherish my memories of you forever. May you rest in peace dear cousin.
Don and Margot Wolff says
Dear family and many, many friends, Pat touched so many people in her life and in such a positive way. Her care and compassion taking care of my helpless mothers last months at the resthome will always live in my heart. She will always be remembered by all of us. RIP Pat. Your earthly life was lived well. Many prayers for all family and friends.
Cori Hanel Brubaker says
Tim, sorry for the loss of your mother. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Judy Nerud says
Neiffer, Billing and Haughain families,
Our deepest condolences to all of you. Pat was Irish through and through, and a younger version of Tess. She will be missed greatly.
Chuck Hubing family
GARY AND PAT HELM AND FAMILY says
TO THE BILLINGS FAMILY SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT PAT. SUCH A GREAT LADY. CAN REMEMBER AS AN EIGTH GRADER TRYING TO TEACH THIS LITTLE 1ST GRADER , AS THE TEACHER HAD HER HANDS FULL WITH THE OTHER KIDS. THE BILLINGS FAMILY WERE GREAT NEIGHBORS. LOVED TO DANCE TO THEIR MUSIC.PAT WAS GRUFF BUT FULL OF LOVE FOR ALL OF US. SHE WAS ALWAYS THERE FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS IN NEED. GOD BLESS ALL HER FAMILY IN THIS TIME OF NEED.
George & Maggie Holom says
To the family of Pat Neiffer. We extend our sincere sympathy in your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May she Rest In Peace.
Eugene Bankey says
God bless all of you , may God grant Pat eternal rest. I would guess that Pat would have the ivory keys of the piano playing a polka whether it’s a mass or beer barrel in the polka band. Sending you or sincere condolences and prayers . Connie and Eugene Bankey
Dana Grant says
Sending our love and condolences from Ronan. She was always a delight!
Roy& Shirley Billing says
Our sympathies to the family, we met Pat at Bill& Mae’s 50th Anniversary ! We are Canadian cousins !
josh swanson says
So Sorry to hear about Pat’s passing she was truly an amazing woman I have some very very fond memories of her, some growing up as a kid and some in high school, which my mom already told about one of the incidents lol but that’s the type of person that pat was some people thought she could be a hard ass. But I’ve known her since about the 2nd grade and she was never anything less than nice to all of us. The world lost a very special person. Anyone who could put up with our high school ignorance down in their basement for those years and never say a word, tells you how special of a person she was. Pat was a pleasure to be around and I will miss her dearly. Tristan,Tabatha, Tiffany, Robin, Tim, Todd
and all other family. My prayers are with you guys! 🙏 It’s safe to say God has his hands full with pat!!! I’m sure she will keep him in line! RIP Pat!!
Kevin A Donnelly says
A lot of old names and memories reading obituaries almost forgot about them it’s been so long ago. Just asking how Pat was doing the other day. May God be with the family she was a mother to be proud of and sister. Another part of Miles City gone. May God be with her.
Carol Raschkow says
To all of Pat’s family,, I first got to know Pat
When our family would run into her when we were in Miles City,, she and my mom would chatter away at every chance meeting,, she was one of the most friendly people I had ever met,, then as a very young nurse I grew to admire her knowledge and her caring nature.. she was a wonderful person and exceptional caregiver..the community and medical community share your feeling of loss..
Norm Willson Family says
Pat was a very special lady and we all loved her and enjoyed visiting with her.
Joe and Cathi Peila says
So many memories of Pat. What a legacy she leaves and many many friends. She was truly an inspiration always remembering names and families. She will be missed.
Darbie Karch and family says
Heaven gained another special person! I liked Pat she told u how it was. She will be sorely missed by all. Prayers for her family. 💜
Phil and Diane Grant says
With sincere sympathy, Phil and Diane Grant.
Nancy Ruby says
Neiffer family,
We loved your mother, Pat. It was always so fun to catch up with her and the events in Miles City. My husband Joe, loved bringing her big bags of flour from the flour mill where he worked for her many delicious cinnamon rolls that she made. I remember the last time I visited with her how fortunate I felt to still have her with us. I am just so sad for all of you but I think Pat was ready to join her Father in heaven and to be with her loved ones again. Prayers for you all
and God bless.
Sincerely,
Joe and Nancy Ruby, Breanne Buehler
Preston L. Willson says
Tim and family, I was very sad to see that Pat has passed on. She was an great person and will be missed.
Kevin and Sheila Krausz says
We always enjoyed visiting with Pat when we ran into her. She will be missed.
Randy Lancaster says
Sorry to hear of your loss.
Sean Donnelly says
A great friend and relative to my family – my prayers are with all of you as you mourn your loss and celebrate her life. My parents spoke of Pat so often, and always well. While her passing is sad, I am filled with peace and happiness to think of them all being together again now in Heaven.
Karson and Marie Farnum Kluver says
Patty;s Family
A wonderful lady–many wonderful memories of her.
DJ &Gloria Rath Milroy says
Condolences and prayers with all of Pat’s loved ones. A dear lady and beautiful soul, a life well lived. Pat will be long remembered and greatly missed.
Terri L. Coldwell says
Tim, Robin and Neiffer families. It is sad to hear of Pat’s passing. She lived a long good life. I know god will take care of her. She served him well as she did everyone that needed it. She will be missed but her compassion for life and smile will live on forever.
Gerome and Rita Wemmer family says
Dearest Patty, you are to be missed by so very many. 😥 Our love and prayers are many for your family. Please, Lord keep Patty in our hearts and memories of which there are no many. And wonderful they are. Thank you Lord for letting us know Patty for these many years you have allowed. Keep her in the minds of all till we are blessed to meet her again. Amen 🙏🏻 ❤️❤️
Kathy (Roos) Martin says
I have so many memories of Pat and time spent with her at family gatherings. She was an amazing lady. May she rest in peace.
Melanie Fiechtner Florey says
Todd and family of Pat
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your Mom. My mom, Kay Fiechtner, always talked about Pat but as Mom got out less she didn’t see people as often. Know she always liked talking to Pat. May your memories bring you comfort at this time. Rest in peace Pat.
Lillian Ostendorf says
So sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. She was a wonderful lady.
Jessie Leidholt says
Jim and I am so sorry to hear of Pat leaving us. She was a treasure and a one of a kind. Very special.
Cheryl Tonn says
My deepest sympathies to you all of Pat’s family. I have known Pat since I was little through my aunt and uncle Ruth and Jack Haggerty. There were many many get togethers that she and Vic were at!!! I then reconnected on a whole different level as a nurse myself at HRH back in the late 60’s. She and my Aunt Ruth were evening supervisors!! I so admired her professionally. She was from a generation of absolutely astoundingly knowledgeable and dedicated nurses!! We in later years were just friends but I was still very much in awe of and respected her. I don’t get the paper so didn’t know of her passing or else I would have been at her funeral. I saw Todd today with all of the little blonde great grands that I am sure she was just crazy about and he told me. This morning I just said “Hi Pat” with a wave 👋 on a Facebook pic of her as I was hurrying to get ready for church. I probably didn’t read that it was posted because of her death. Little did I know I was waving a goodbye but feel really eerie about that! My chance given to me. I think good nurses are just like cowboys in that they never die…just fade away. She will be remembered for a long long time for her many years of giving and comforting and advising!!! 💔
Carl Zabrocki says
One of the last of the greatest generation
Happy Trails
Patty Mott says
Dear Neiffer family
I was so sorry to hear of Patty’s passing. She used to play her keyboard for the Caledonian parties-what fun! Thanks for those memories.
Josephine Meidinger says
So sorry to hear about Pat She will be missed
Jan Munroe says
Pat was a Miles City treasure.
Mary Baldwin Snyder says
So sorry to hear of the passing of Pat. She was an awesome lady. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.