Patricia Slavens

1943 - 2025

Patricia ("Tish") Slavens, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Monday, August 18, at Providence St. Patrick Hospital, in Missoula, Montana. Born in San Francisco on April 20, 1943, to Marie Eckles Maloney and Philip Aloysious Maloney, Tish was a true city girl at heart. She grew up in San Francisco alongside her brother, Phil Maloney, attending Catholic schools and cherishing the city's unique spirit, including its famous sourdough and salami which she continued to enjoy any and every time that she could.

Tish was blessed with two chapters of love in her life. She first married her high school sweetheart Dennis Rice in 1963, in San Francisco, California. They moved with their young family to Palm Springs in the early 1970s. She quickly created a warm and loving home in the desert, where she became a master of many crafts. Whether she was sewing beautiful outfits, creating delicious meals for her family, or sharing her passion for entertaining through her work at Princess House Crystal, Tish poured her heart into everything she did. Tish treasured the friendships she made during her time in the desert throughout her life.

Following their divorce, Tish found love again and married Rick Slavens in 1984. She continued to have a successful sales career at Park Lane Jewelry, which enabled her and Rick to travel the world. During one of their trips to visit Tish's family they fell in love with the Missoula community and lifestyle including the majestic scenery, and, of course, the thrilling spirit of Griz football. This aection for Missoula eventually led them to pull up their desert roots and make it their home in 2005. Shortly after arriving in Missoula, Tish began working at the Western Montana Mental Health Center where she remained until her retirement in 2021.

Tish's passions were a testament to her vibrant and joyful personality. She found immense happiness in her family, traveling, and her faith. Her love for football was legendary, with her heart divided between the Montana Grizzlies and her favorite NFL quarterback, Patrick Mahomes. Above all, Tish was known for her kindness, her easy laugh, and her ability to make everyone feel special.

She is survived by her loving husband, Rick; her two daughters: Lisa Brown (and her husband Mike and their son Elliott Brown) and Debbie Rice (and her husband Steve Soldano and his children Matthew and Julia Soldano); and her son Eric Rice (and his wife Jennifer Dean). Tish also leaves behind her nephew and nieces and their families: Philip "Max," Bea, Eileen, Katie, and Ruth.

This remembrance would not be complete without a heartfelt gratitude to Tish's nieces, Bea and Katie, and their families, as well as their close friends Lisa, Judd, Lorna and Peter, and dearest long-time friend Laura, for their exceptional care, kindness and companionship they so generously shared with Tish and Rick during their time in Missoula.

A private celebration of Tish's life will be held for family and friends in Missoula on September13. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Tish's memory to the Missoula Boys and Girls Club, an organization that reflects her dedication to community and her generous spirit.