Patty Kern

PRYOR - On June 8, 2009, God needed a cowgirl.

On that day, Patty lost her battle with cancer. She was born on Nov. 18, 1964, to Hughie and Virginia Rose of Ekalaka. During her childhood, she enjoyed participating in rodeo, working outdoors on the family ranch, and breaking horses. She graduated from Carter County High School and went on to obtain a bachelor's degree in Agriculture Education from Montana State University Bozeman. From there, she worked for the forest service, first in Camp Crook, S.D., and eventually in Red Lodge.

It was when she was transferred to Red Lodge that she met the love of her life, Rob Kern. They were married on Nov. 28, 1992, in Miles City and "threw up a tee-pee" in Pryor. She and Rob ran cattle on their ranch, each of which Patty could identify by memory, without exception. She loved her life, which revolved around her family, her horses, her cattle, and her pets. Her favorite time of year was the spring, when calving took place. She took pleasure in watching new calves being born. Rob and Patty had two boys of their own, Buster and Rye. She enjoyed watching them participate in everything from sports, music and plays, to rodeo and geography bees. She also enjoyed watching her nieces and nephews grow up. She was a friend to everybody she met and will be missed dearly.

Patty is preceded in death by her grandparents and her mother Virginia.

Patty is survived by her husband Rob; her two boys, Buster and Rye; her father, Hughie; her sister, Nancy (Paul Brence); her brother, Russell Rose; in-laws, Rubert and Mary Kern and Will and Chris Kern; and numerous other relatives and friends.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will take place on Saturday, June 13, at 2 p.m. at Smith's Funeral Chapel, 925 S. 27th St., in Billings. A gathering to celebrate Patty's life will be held immediately following the service at the Moose Lodge, 171 Calhoun Lane.

If desired, memorial donations may be made in Patty's name to the charity of your choice.