Patricia Hamilton (McGillis) Steele passed away at her home on May 26, 2015 from natural causes. Patricia was surrounded by family and friends; receiving much love in her last days. A Memorial Service will be held this Friday, May 29, 2015 at 1 pm at the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation.

Patricia was born Patricia Rahr Hamilton on October 31, 1934 in Phoenix, Arizona. The majority of her young life was spent on the family ranch at Silver City, New Mexico and later in La Jolla, California

Patricia attended the University of Arizona where she was a Pi Phi.

She married Angus Donald McGillis on January 1, 1958 in Silver City, New Mexico. Pat and Donnie then moved to Choteau, Montana where Donnie worked for the Choteau Cattle Company. They had three children, Angus Donald McGillis III (Chip), Heather Hamilton McGillis and John Hamilton McGillis. Pat loved working on the ranch. During calving she rode all day and would help take care of the bum calves. Pat and Donnie were married 25 years and divorced in 1983.

Patricia married Ray W. Steele at the Hamilton Ranch in May of 1988. Pat and Ray were very involved with the C.M. Russell Museum. They did extensive traveling and enjoyed the arts. Patricia especially enjoyed her house at Flathead Lake. The lake house was a destination for many. Wonderful memories were made there. Pat was fondly referred to as Mimi by her friends, family and grandchildren. Her husband Ray passed away on August 13, 2009.

Patricia was very active in raising money for the American Red Cross. She especially loved the arts and was on the Board of the C.M. Russell Museum for several years. She received the Trigg award from the museum for her outstanding contributions and support.

Some of her favorite things to do were riding on the ranch, entertaining, traveling, spending time with her grandchildren, cooking for friends and family and dancing. She always enjoyed a good joke and a person with a good sense of humor.

Our mom was a great friend and caretaker for those in need. She was always the first person to jump in and help others in time of crises.

Patricia was proceeded in death by her son Chip, brother Jack and husband Raymond. She is survived by her children Heather McGillis-Mullins (Great Falls), John Hamilton McGillis (Houston), Terri Long-McGillis (widow of Chip), Missoula. Her grandchildren Macall McGillis- McCullum, Courtney McGillis, Jack McGillis, Austin Mullins, Staley Mullins, Kaila McGillis and Shane McGillis. Three great-grandchildren also survive.

Patricia (Mimi) was loved and will be missed by many. She was a wonderful person who loved to live, love and laugh and it is now time for her to rest and enjoy the rest of her time with her angels. We love you Mimi.

Memorial contributions can be made in her name to the Charlie Russell Museum at 400 13th St. N, Great Falls, MT. 59401.

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