Patty Lou Smith

Patty Lou Smith, 71, of Bozeman, completed this life’s journey on May 22nd, 2012 at home, surrounded by her loving family. Patty was born October 27, 1940 in Bozeman to Daniel and Bernadine (Werner) Zindler. She graduated from Bozeman High School in 1958 and married Ernest “Budge” Schumacher in 1959. The couple was blessed with four children. In 1974 Patty rekindled her friendship with William Daniel Smith and the two soon fell in love. The couple spent many years together raising their children, boating and fishing at Canyon Ferry, and creating a home that became the central hub for their large family. They had adventurous spirits and made trips south during the winters in their later years. They adored their dog Sophie, and later added Raisin to their family. Patty put an incredible amount of loving energy into raising her family. She also performed volunteer services for (Evergreen) Bozeman Health and Rehab, Love Inc., and was a past Department President of the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary. She enjoyed spending time with her friends in the recovery community in the Gallatin Valley and loved to worship her Lord and Savior with her Calvary Chapel family in Bozeman. Patty’s interests and hobbies included cooking (she was famous for her wild huckleberry pie and potato salad), flower gardening, sewing, and reading. She also had a special love of the Pacific Ocean and spent numerous family vacations there. However, she most enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren, especially around the holidays. She took great pride in creating a joyful environment in which to celebrate her favorite holiday, Christmas. Beloved traditions included attending the Nutcracker Ballet, preparing Danish Æbleskiver, and displaying the elaborate composition of her Village Collectables. Patty is survived by her children; Kim (Tim) Codding, Craig Schumacher, Doug (Maggie McFadden) Schumacher, and Lisa (Larry) Walker, all of Bozeman; grandchildren, Joe (Jen), Nichole, Skilynn, Cameron (Jen), Ryan, Jason, Cedric, Chloe, Logan, James, Lindy, Gabe, and Brina; great-grandchildren, Zoey, Jordan, and Olivia; mother, Bernadine Watt of Tacoma, WA; sisters, Shirley (Ray) Smith of Poplar, MT and Sandra (Steven) Sarras of Manteca, CA; brother, Michael (Katie) Watt of Salem, OR; brothers and sisters-in law, Ed Smith, George Smith, Rose (Roger) Smith, Larry (Pat) Smith, Joe (Hazel) Smith, Chuck Smith, and Ted (Janey) Lawrence as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Smith; father, Daniel Zindler; sister, Colleen White; father-in-law, Ed Smith; mother-in-law, Daisy (Smith) Lawrence; step father-in-law, Herb Lawrence; sisters and brother-in law, Lila Anderson, Shirley Torres, Pat (George) Smith, and Wilma and George Schmitz. A celebration of her life will be held at 2:00pm, Saturday, June 30, 2012 at Vince Grant Hall, 2165 W. Durston in Bozeman. If anyone wishes to honor Patty’s memory with donations, they may be sent to LOVE, Inc. in Patty’s name. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.dahlcares.com