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Patricia Mattix Obituary

Patricia (Phillips) Mattix, 81, of Great Falls, died of a heart attack Sunday, Jan. 1, at a local hospital.

A memorial service is 11 a.m. Friday at Christ United Methodist Church, with burial May 28 in Philbrook Cemetery. Croxford Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

She is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Edward R. Mattix; daughters Joyce (Patrick) Byrne of Great Falls, and Annie (Akbar) Noori of London, Ontario; son Marc (Rebecca) Mattix of Bozeman; grandchildren Amanda (Jason) Meeker, Tyler (Stacey) Byrne, Arshia and Kian Noori and Katie Mattix; and great-grandchildren Zak and Luke Meeker, and Lane Byrne. Survivors also include several nieces and nephews, and a few cousins.

Those who preceded her in death include her brother, Warren Phillips; and sisters Mary Ellen Thompson and Ruth Collings.

Patricia was born March 17, 1930, to Claude and Pearl Phillips in Moore. She was raised on the family cattle ranch 12 miles south of Utica. She attended the rural elementary school New Liberty and then Buffalo High School, and graduated from Hobson in 1948. She attained a bachelor's degree in education from Western Montana College and additional assorted credits from CGF and the University of Montana. Patricia worked as a kindergarten teacher in Great Falls from 1953 until her retirement in 1984.

As an active member of her community, Patricia was involved in the PTA, AAUW, Phi Delta Kappa, Retired Teachers Association, Daughters of the Nile No. 79, Great Falls Quilt Guild and the Red Hat Society. She loved quilting, sewing, reading, music, flowers, nature, traveling, RV trips, and crossword and jigsaw puzzles. Patricia was known for her generosity; she donated 20 quilts each year to "Adopt-A-Bear," "Komforters for Kids," Gift of Life, Hospice House and Camp Make-A-Dream.

Memorials for Patricia are suggested to Gift of Life Housing at 2908 11th Ave. S., Great Falls, MT, 59405; or to the Utica Museum at 5443 Indiana Road, Moccasin, MT 59462.

Condolences may be posted online at www.croxfordfuneralhome.com and/or www.gftribune.com/obituaries.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Great Falls Tribune from Jan. 3 to Jan. 4, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
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Linda Grimsrud

January 13, 2012

Sorry for your loss. I remember hearing from my older siblings and parents about Pat and also her Mom Pearl Phillips, when they lived in Buffalo, MT. Pearl was a teacher at Buffalo and Pat was a student there with my siblings Marie, John and Lois. My twin sister, Lilla and I have enjoyed visiting with Pat at Buffalo School and Community Reunions. At the last reunion about 3 years ago Pat gave me a picture she had taken of my sister and I when we were little.
You are in our prayers. The Flugge family Marie Jones, John Flugge, Lois Abbott, Lilla Flesjer and Linda Grimsrud by Linda

Sue O'Connor

January 8, 2012

Becky and Marc, I am sorry to hear of your loss. I would enjoy our visits at your home. We quickly found a common ground of quilting, motherhood, and laughter. She was a wonderful woman.

Kay Dell Nelson Parratt

January 7, 2012

Dear Ed and Family...Words can't say how much I am holding you all in my heart and my prayers at this most difficult time...I have such pleasant memories of you and Pat, Ed...I send my most sincere sympathy.........

January 5, 2012

Pat's Family: Our hearts go out to you at this time of Pat's death. As a teacher she invested so much into every student who passed thru her classrooms - she certainly "paid it forward." May you know God's grace, comfort and peace. We're praying for you.
Calvary Chapel of Great Falls
John 14:16

January 5, 2012

Dearest Mom, I am eternally grateful to you for your unconditional love, your strength as an amazing woman and your phenomenal sense of humor. I walked into your, Dad, Joyce and Marc's life as an unsure 19-year old exchange student from across the world 43 years ago and grew into a very much loved, confident and full of life 20-year old a year later – and what a phenomenal year it was! It could not have been easy to add one more person to your family, but you generously accepted me as your own and I have since been truly blessed with our continued relationship. I only physically left your home; otherwise, you all became an inseparable and an integral part of my life and my family's life. Thank you for the unforgettable memories. Mom, I will sorely miss talking to you, hearing your voice, your laughter and listening to your fantastic and amusing life stories from past and present. You are forever etched in my heart and soul. Enjoy laughing with the angels. May be our paths will cross once more and we will do this all over again! Dearest Dad, Joyce and Marc I love you all very much. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am thinking of you. Annie

Linda Smith

January 5, 2012

Dear Joyce,Mandy and family, So sorry to hear of your loss. My condolences to all.

January 5, 2012

Ed, We were sorry to hear about Pat. She was a lovely & kind lady. Our condolences to you and your family. Larry & Mary Ann Seitz (Yuma, AZ)

Stacie Hepner

January 4, 2012

Mrs. Mattix was my kindergarten teacher back in 1975-1976 at Roosevelt Elementary. I still remember the type of teacher she was inside and out. I then remember her when working at East County Market and she would come through my line and we would reminise about school days. I am sad to hear about her passing, and take comfort knowing now she is an angel up in heaven watching over all of us. May God comfort you all during this difficult time, remember all the good mememories and keep her memory alive within each of your hearts. I know I will. Rest in peace Mrs.Mattix until we meet again. Love and Hugs!!

Debbie Gordon (Ebel)

January 4, 2012

Uncle Ed, Aunt Patty was the Greatest, Happiest, Loving women I have ever met or have known. As you well know... married to her for 61 years. I'm so sorry. My prayers and thoughts are with you and the family. Deb Gordon (Ebel)

Michelle (Missy) Ebel

January 4, 2012

Uncle Ed, I am so sorry to hear about Aunt Patty. She will be missed by us all. You both have forever been on our minds and in our hearts. All of our love to you.

Colleen Garness

January 4, 2012

I am so sorry for your family's loss. Pat was truly one of the most kind and generous ladies I have had the priviledge to know. We will miss her smile and her great works at the quilting retreats. She was truly a class act.

Ronda Hall

January 3, 2012

I will always remember Pat as a wonderful, friendly and warm person. Her smile and happy attitude could light up a room. She always made me smile when we worked together through the Falls Quilt Guild. My prayers, thoughts and love to Pat's family and other friends.

Sharon McDonald

January 3, 2012

Ed & Pat are the best neighbors anyone could ask for. Ed, I am so so sorry for you and your family's loss and I will always cherish my quilt that Pat made for me last year. Take care.

Shirley & Mearl Christianson

January 3, 2012

Ed,
We were so sorry to read of your wife's passing. Please accept our sincere condolences. Our prayers are with you and your family

Sue McCullough

January 3, 2012

Pat was always a treat to be around. She had wonderful stories to tell and fun quilts to share. She will truly be missed and l will remember her fondly. Blessings to your family.

Mandy Garness

January 3, 2012

I was blessed to have known Pat and cherish every moment I spent quilting with her. She inspired me with her talent, her smile, and her stories. May your memories bring you peace.

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