Patricia E. Hanlan

Patricia E. Hanlan passed away on October 30, 2025 at St. Vincent's hospital in Billings, Montana with her sister Evelyn by her side.
Patricia was born in Gillette, Wyoming on February 4, 1947. Her parents were Everett and Emerine Hanlan and she joined her older sister Evelyn. Pat was raised on the family ranch on Butte Creek west of Biddle, Montana. She enjoyed all of the ranch animals, especially the mares and colts, and spent many hours riding bareback and taking care of the horses. Her love of horses would continue her entire life. Pat also loved to travel and visit with friends.
In early years, Pat's mother taught both girls at home. The two girls attended various country schools where their mother taught, including Baking Powder School, Rumph School and Moorehead School. Pat moved to Broadus in 1962 to start high school and graduated from Powder River County high School in 1966. After high school, she attended Black Hills State College, graduating with a teaching degree in 1969.
Pat taught school for 30 years, teaching kindergarten through 8th grade. She taught at Alzada, Belle Creek, Biddle, Ekalaka and Lodge Grass. She also served as Superintendent of Public Schools in Carter County.
Pat returned to Broadus after retiring from the education system. She worked at the Powder River Manor and the Powder River Historical Museum. She volunteered at the museum with Dick Dinstel and in 2017 she became one of the directors and also served as vice-president for several years. Pat was always there to provide cookies and ideas for other volunteers.
Pat was a lifetime member of the VFW Auxiliary Post 1595. She took on the role of Buddy Poppy Chairman in 2014 and worked more than a decade raising money through the sales of buddy poppies to support veterans and VA hospitals.
Pat was also a long-time member of the Congregational Church in Broadus and a member of Eastern Star.
For years Pat purchased piggy banks and presented them to newborn babies in the surrounding area. As a former teacher, she felt that every child should have a savings for an education.
Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Everett and Emerine Hanlan, her brother-in-law, Daniel Kraft, and uncles Floyd and Raymond Hanlan. She is survived by her sister, Evelyn Hanlan Kraft.
Funeral services will be held on November 6, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. at the Congregational Church in Broadus, Montana. Interment will follow at the Valley View Cemetery in Broadus, Montana. Should friends desire, memorials can be made to the Powder River Historical Society.