Patricia Gwen (Lee) Ballantyne

Patricia Gwen (Lee) Ballantyne, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister and friend, 79, of Billings, passed away peacefully, on Jan. 24, 2016, at Morning Star Assisted Living.

Patti was born March 17, 1936, on their family farm in Westhope, N.D. She would always tell the story of how she was delivered on St. Patrick's Day by Dr. Green. "True Story!" she would state. Needless to say, St. Patrick's Day was one of her favorite holidays.

Patti grew up in Westhope and attended high school there. She met the love of her life, Herb Ballantyne, and married him on July 21, 1954, in Sidney. From this union came their two children, Dave and Pam.

Patti took pride in being a mom and wife, and she loved her family and friends. Patti was an avid bowler and bowled league many years in Minot, N.D., and in Billings. She made many good friends along the way. Patti had a passion for life, which included her nieces and nephews, making her everyone's "favorite aunt." She had a sparkling smile and contagious laugh. She had a vivacious personality and would tell you exactly what she was thinking, even if you didn't want to hear it!

Patti is preceded in death by husband, Herb; son, Dave; and both of her parents, Alma and Almon Lee.

Patti is survived by her daughter, Pam and husband Jon Amundsen; grandchildren Mckinsey, Kooper and Kolbe Kidgell, their father Karson Kidgell; Jon's children, Bowen, Alayna, Dean and Jace; daughter-in-law Mary Ballantyne; grandson Scott Ballantyne, wife Brittany and their three children, Ryen, Samari, and Logan of Minot; grandson Blair Ballantyne, wife Katy and their son Blaise of Big Sky; her brother, Gary Lee and wife Barb; sisters LaVonne Jensen and Gracia (Rus) Hall; along with her "favorite" nieces and nephews, too many to name.

We love you and will miss you, Nana!

Services with be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, at the First Congregational Church in Laurel, 506 S. Fifth St., Laurel. Reception to follow at the church. Graveside service will follow at 2:30 p.m. in the Yellowstone Valley Memorial Park, 3605 Grand Ave., Billings.