Patricia Louise Pipe, age 82, passed away on Saturday, May 25, 2024 at the Wolf Point Faith Lutheran Home, in Wolf Point, Montana. Patricia was born March 18, 1942 to Jerome and Mabel (Redstone) Fourstar.
Patricia will partly be remembered for work in her chosen profession. She made a decision to further her education while raising her family earning a Bachelor’s degree in Education, Eastern Montana College, Billing MT. and a Master’s degree in Education Administration from the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND. She went on to become a certified teacher which led her to teaching positions following her husband’s career starting at Pretty Eagle school St. Xavier, Mt., then onto Crown Point NM, Fort Yates, ND, Aneth UT, Lower Brule, SD, and finally settling on her home reservation with a position in Poplar MT.
However, what most will remember was the person she was as a teacher who cared for her community while walking her daily faith’s journey. As a devoted Christian she shared her love for Jesus with people she met over the years. Her grandchildren and children remember her taking them to church at least three times a week. Her dedication to her beliefs showed in her profession as well. She treated every one of her students and coworkers with compassion. She taught for 26 years at Poplar Public Schools and loved being part of many students lives. Some of Patricia’s fondest recollections were bumping into former students in the community saying “Hello Mrs. Pipe, remember me you helped me learn to read better”. Over the years family and friends learned she was also there for support however she could. Her faith was always a calming force for relatives’ and friends during their turbulent times. Many in the community can recall how she took the time to visit and offer prayers or assist with electric bills, water bills, rent, auto repairs parts, tires, or often just share a meal. She loved to cook and learn new recipes and would often show up at church potlucks with two or three dishes and a pie or cake. She was a lifelong learner and enjoyed crafts especially sewing and matching fabric colors for star quilts she would put together for relatives, she found great joy in the cultural craft work offered by the Fort Peck Community College with the intent to make something for someone. She loved traveling and would offer rides to those in need for appointments or to visit relatives and friends around the country. She left hundreds of pictures of road side scenery, photos taken enroute to various destinations reminding us that getting there is also fun. She played many different roles for many people touching thousands of lives as she passed along lessons from one generation who carried it to another. Those who came to know her understand why she was introduced to their life as they will carry on that love, faith and kindness.
She is survived by daughter Winona (Kirk) Ritchie of Rhinelander WI, sons Gene Douglas Badhawk of Fargo ND, Herman (Randee) Pipe Jr. of Youngstown OH, Jared (Yvonne) Pipe Colorado Springs CO. numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Siblings Josephine(Edison) Tapaha of Wolf Point MT, Geraldine(Warren) Buck Elk, of Rapid City SD, Madonna (Don) LaRoque of Wolf Point MT.
Patricia was preceded in death by her husband Herman Pipe, and two sons Horace and Patrick, and grandson Jeremiah.
A prayer service will be on Thursday, May 30th at 6:00 p.m. at Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel. Funeral services will be on Friday, May 31st at 10:00 a.m. at the Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel. Interment will follow at Chelsea Cemetery.
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