Patricia Bryson-Gates

Patti Bryson-Gates, 58, of Missoula passed away on Monday, January 30th at home, from complications of stomach cancer.

She was born on February 12th, 1958 in Longview, Washington to Harry and Bertha Bryson. Patti traveled with her family around the northwestern states before settling in Stevensville, Montana. She stayed in the Bitterroot valley, completing her high school education before going to university to study Marketing.

On June 21st, 1986 she married Samuel Gates in Stevensville. They lived in Missoula together where she worked at Hennessy’s, she had started there as a sales associate in June of 1981. She stayed with the company while they were acquired by Dillard’s and was promoted to Assistant Store Manager. Patti loved her work and her employees; she was a part of the Missoula Dillard’s team until she received her diagnosis of stomach cancer.

Patti was very talented with a sewing machine. She participated in a few contests including the “Make it with Wool” contest in Stevensville while she was younger; her sewing machine was a consistent part of her life. She made her own wedding dress and later made halloween costumes each year for her two daughters. She also made them each a prom dress. Later she started a tradition of making aprons for all the married women of her family.

Patti was also an amazing cook and she loved to travel. She and her family would take weekend trips to Spokane, or go up to Glacier on a day trip. They would also travel down to southern California every couple of years to visit her sister.

Survivors include her husband, Sam, Missoula; her sister, Katha Almond, Brea, CA; two daughters, Amanda Horner, Missoula; Elizabeth Gates, Toledo, OH.

A memorial service will be held on Sat. Feb. 4th at 2:00 p.m. at Garden City Funeral Home with a reception immediately following.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.gardencityfh.com