Nov. 3, 1966 - July 22, 2008
On Tuesday, July 22, Patricia Marie Shanklin passed away unexpectedly at her home in Helena, at the age of 41.

Patty was born in Missoula in 1966 and was raised in Belgrade, where she graduated from Belgrade High School in 1985; 23 years of new people, new places and new adventures were to follow.

In those years, Patty discovered a love of flying planes and tending to animals. Patty and her constant companion, her beloved son, Michael, eventually wound up in Southern California, which became the place of her soul and the Pacific Ocean became the place she would always call home.

Recently, Patty relocated to Helena to spend more time with her grandmother, mom and little sis and began working as a veterinary tech.

Patty left behind many family members including her son, Michael Jones of Bakersfield, Calif.; mother, Louise Hull of Helena; father, Irvin "Pete" (Dorothy) Shanklin of Fort Collins, Colo.; grandmother, Martha Ringleb of Helena; brothers and sisters: Susie Hull of Helena; Kathy (Paul) Oulman of Forest City, Iowa; Debbie (Art) Albin of Bozeman; Jim (Theresa) Shanklin of West Lafayette, Ind.; Logan Hull of Fairbanks, Alaska; and Kelly (Brandon) Aho of Crookston, Minn.; as well as many loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and friends.

She is preceded in death by her grandparents, Paul Ringleb and Evelyn and Roy Shanklin.

Please remember Patty by making a donation to or adopting a pet at your local animal shelter or enjoying an ocean sunset, as these were two of her enduring loves.

Cremation has taken place, and a memorial for family and friends is planned for this weekend.

Arrangements in Helena are being handled by Hagler Anderson Funeral Home.

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

Published by Bozeman Daily Chronicle on Jul. 25, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Patricia Shanklin

16 Entries

Ann-Marie Biden

August 11, 2008

I am Patty's aunt so have know her for her entire life. I have fun memories of playing with her and dressing her up with her mom and memories of her coming to California to visit us there. She will forever be cherished in those memories and in our hearts. I hope she has found peace and is watching over all the animals in heaven with her Grandpa. We love you, Patty...Ann-Marie

Brooke Monacell

August 7, 2008

Dearest Patty.
The news came as such a shock and sadness. I still have not come to terms with your passing. You gave me a gift of friendship which I cherish. I was blessed to know you and work with you and now want to carry on your Legacy for Playtime With Patty. Thank you for passing the torch to me and I promise to take the utmost care of your canine companions. We will all miss you dearly. I had a strange moment of concern for you three weeks ago, as if our spirits were connected. I shared that concern with Jim, our fellow dog walker and companion, and we felt anguish. I pray you rest in peace and find eternal happiness as you deserve golden wings from an angel. Thank you for your friendship and memories, and please give me a sign that you are okay and in a better place. I have always wanted happiness, freedom and peace for you and pray you have found that. Much love from me and from Freckles, Cali, Daisy, Magic, Tootsie, Nugget, Nugget #2, Jack and Harry, Misty and Richard Higgins who joins you in Heaven, Madison and Buddy, Roxy, and all the other doggies who adored you. I will miss you and will always have you in my thoughts and prayers. Please give me a sign you are at peace...I want to know you are eternally happy. Perhaps you can come back as a special blooming flower or a hummingbird with wings. Set your spirit free. I love you and thank you for your friendship

Warm summer sun,
Shine kindly here,
Warm southern wind,
Blow softly here.
Green sod above,
Lie light, lie light.
Good night, dear heart,
Good night, good night.

By Mark Twain (Samuel Langhorne Clemens)

Angela La Fournaise Walters

August 2, 2008

I wish to extend my condolences to Patty's family, especially to Michael. She was a special friend during trying times; even though we have not seen or spoken to each other in several years, hearing of her passing was very difficult. I will always remember her smile and laughter.

Kris Kramarich

July 29, 2008

What a nice way to commemorate Patty's life. I was, am, incredibly sad to hear she's gone. I haven't seen her for years, but she's such a large part of my foundation. Having moved every two - three years since college - the one constant is my Montana childhood and those I grew up with to keep me grounded. Patty was a big part of it, even though she never knew it. I have been in Iraq for 10 months now, and oddly enough I dreamt about her the other night. I have the same recurring dream that I'm back in Belgrade and having fun catching up with one of the best friends I had growing up. I always tell her in the dream - "you'll never believe this," ... and then I tell her about the dream... and then give her a big hug - and it feels so real. When I do get back home, I'll pull out one of my favorite pictures of us - Patty, Stacey, and me at our High School Graduation. I am not surprised she went down the vet route - I loved going to her house because she had the cats that laid on your legs when you watched TV. I was there when "Pussywillow" was slipping away. I still smile when I drive or walk by her house. I remember walking to school with her when we were in Jr. High. As I've talked to my friends here, and confided in the Battalion Chaplain today, I told them that I even still remember the phone number for their Belgrade house. So many good memories, I could go on for quite awhile. Well, I know that she can now know how much she meant to me... because of her, I will reach out sooner than later to catch up with friends when I visit Montana. Thanks to everyone who shared their stories, it helps to hear about what a nice life she had beyond high school. My hugs to Patty's whole Family.

Kelley

July 28, 2008

I was at the Helena Veterinary Service the Saturday before Patty passed on, and she was the vet tech who took care of my dog. She was so loving and compassionate and very nice. I only knew her for a short time while I was having my dog examined, but Patty was obviously a loving, caring woman and had a special touch with animals. I'm so sorry for your loss and I send a prayer to her family and friends; may you feel her loving spirit. God Bless.

Shari Ringleb

July 27, 2008

We will light four candles in honor of you...

One for grief
One for courage
One for our memories
One for our love

The first candle represents grief...to confront the intense pain of losing you and to feel the depth of our love.
The second candle represents courage...to confront our sorrow, to comfort each other and to cherish your life.
The third candle represents our memories. To recall the times we laughed, the times we cried, the times we were angry at each other, the silly things done, the silly things said, the caring and joy you gave us.
The fourth candle represents the light of love... To know that day by day we cherish the special place in our hearts that will always be reserved for you.
We thank you for the gift that your life brought to each of us.

Kat Tunnicliff

July 27, 2008

Patty, I am at a loss for words my friend. We had a lot of fun working together at the animal hospital. you were always the rebel. I loved it when you would come to work with your UGG boots on and your bandana on your head. I keep a picture of you,me and Joy on my refrigerator. It was when I came to see you and Joy in Vegas. We are sitting out in the backyard, we look like the 3 musketeers. I will miss your infectious laugh,and your great hugs. My prayers are with Michael and your family and friends. Rest peaceful my friend.

JoyEllen Harpole

July 27, 2008

Patty,

Oh my Dear Dear Friend, I am feeling so sorry for myself right now. What will I ever do now without you. You have been a treasure to me Patty, ever since the first day I laid eyes on you. You were my Montana conection in California. You were home to me! You always called me your "Big Sis". I miss you so much. I still cannot believe this is real. You will always be in my heart, and I will hold close to me, all the wonderful, and the not so wonderful memories we shared, especially the years in Laguna. When I look up in the sky, I know you will be the Brightest Star up there, and I will still talk to you often, because I will need to. I will never take your number off my cell phone. I know that you will eventually send me a sign, letting me know that you are finally ok. I will wait patiently Sweetheart. I miss you so much. We will see each other again, and I will hug you again. Until then "Lil Sis", I love you so much!
Joy

Donna Martin

July 26, 2008

I loved Patty,she had a heart of gold and a smile I will never forget..Neither will my dog Hudson and all the other doggies in Laguna beach etc.Every afternoon she would pull up in her truck with 6 or so dogs in the back and hanging out the windows and off we go to the horse trail or the fire road to let the dogs run free.We had many adventures along the way.The dogs loved her and she loved them!!Lucy, Shaggy,Daisy, Freckles, Billy,Callie and Archie are just a few.She would be out with them at 7am and would still be making dog visits up to 10pm. Her only break for food would be a Jack in The Box drive through.She would always be there to listen or to give you a hug!!I loved her like a daughter and will never forget her.
My sincere condolences to Michael ,her pride and joy,and her Family..Donna Martin

Good times on San Francisco Bay

Susan Berg

July 26, 2008

Patty,

My prayers go out to Michael, like a son to me, your family and all your friends who loved you...

You have been my closest and dearest friend since our mid 20's. Raising our kids together, watching them grow. We had the best of memories, so many good times I will cherish forever and ever. We laughed and cried and shared our most inner secrets. You were always there to listen and lend a hand, day or night you always shined through. I'm lucky to have a friend like you. You will always be in my heart.

I will miss you deeply. I do now, especially and always will because you are my friend through thick and thin, good times, bad times... through it all. You were always an amazing friend, mother and woman. Everyone that crossed your path felt the same towards you..

I can't say it enough...I will miss you Patty, but don't be surprised to hear me talking to you from time to time. I still need your advice. May you rest in peace.

My children, Ryan, Nick and Zachary will always remember you too, especially your caring, loving motherly ways. We sure had some special times together.

Til we meet again. I love you,
your best friend, Susan xo

Gary Cantrell

July 26, 2008

Patty,
I will always remember that hugh smile of your's, even when down you kept a smile on your face, I was so hoping to see you return back to work, you will be sorely missed at our office. I picture you now with that beautiful smile supporting a set of wings. Our prayers are now with your family, God bless them.

Beverly Purpus

July 25, 2008

To the family of Patty. My prayers and condolences go out to you all. I only knew Patty a short time, but through my daughter Susan, I felt like I had known her forever. She was a gentle soul and always kind and caring to those she loved. My heart goes out to you and to my daughter Susan who has lost her best friend. May she find the peace and calmness she so desperately needed now that she is with the heavenly angels. Her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who loved her. God Bless. Jack and Beverly Purpus

Yvette Mena

July 25, 2008

Patty, You will be greatly missed. I know I had only met you in Februrary, but the times we did share were great and fun. I'm so sorry for the loss. You will be in my prayers, and my heart....

Greg Jones

July 25, 2008

Where to begin. Our lives have been intertwined for most of my life. You have been many things to me. You have been a friend, lover, spouse, girlfriend, and friend. (Those of you who know me will get it) I can remember so many good times in our lives that it would fill this whole page, and I will never forget them.
Most of our conversations of late had been about our son, but we always managed to discuss our lives as well. It was nice hearing your voice, and seeing you a couple of months ago. I am glad that I was able to tell you how much I cared about you. With all that we have been through, I will always have a fondness in my heart for you. I miss you.

Love Always,

Greg

Alan Michaud

July 25, 2008

Patty,we spent many hours on the phone and became very good friends and on mondy night the 21st we spent the evening watching Harry Potter I will never forget it...you always will have a place in my heart I love you XOXOXOX

Carol Bennett

July 25, 2008

Oh Patty,

How I am mourning your passing...

You lived across the hall from my husband Kevin waaaaay back in college (1104 S. Montana apt. G-14) Bozeman with Kathy and your adorable, smart, funny, sweet son Michael. How often we think about the three of you. Kev called Kathy the Wine Lady, because for the longest time The Boys didn't know her name, but she'd come over for parties (many!) with a glass of wine.

Our son Jack is about the same age as Michael was when we knew you. We are hurting for his loss especially.

So many fond memories.
You will be so greatly missed.

Until we meet again...
Carol, Kevin, McKayla and Jack Bennett

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