Patricia Stewart Colberg

Patricia Stewart Colberg, age 78, died peacefully surrounded by family at RiverStone Hospice House, Billings, on Dec. 9, 2015.

Pat was born in Helena on March 8, 1937, to John M. and and Violet G. Stewart. She grew up in Helena, graduating from Helena High School in 1955. Pat had a wonderful high school experience where she made friends easily. She often reminisced about her group of friends, "the dirty dozen."

Pat worked various jobs during and after high school. Among other things, she worked as a drive-in carhop, a sales person at Rogene's, and with the Montana Liquor Control Board. She saved her money and, with the help of her parents, was able to attend college. She enrolled as a student at Montana State University (now University of Montana) in Missoula.

Pat had a rich college life, where she made close lifetime friends. She was a member of Cams and Dregs and she joined and lived in the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. She graduated from the University in 1959 with a B.S. degree in business administration.

During Pat's senior year, and after telling him "no" three times to his date invitations, she asked Maurice R. Colberg, Jr. "Maury" out. About three months after their first date, Maury proposed marriage and Pat accepted. They were married in Helena on Sept. 12, 1959. During their 56-year marriage, Pat and Maury were the best of friends. They had a wonderful, fulfilling life together.

When Maury graduated from law school, they moved to Helena, where Maury took a job with the Montana Supreme Court. In July of 1960 their first child, Brad, was born and Pat suddenly became a very busy mother and wife.

Pat and Maury moved to Billings in 1960, where Maury began his private practice law career. They have lived in Billings ever since. She was a bit skeptical to leave the mountains to live on the plains, but quickly came to love her life and friends and appreciate the charm of Billings and its Rimrocks. After the birth of their next two children, Steve and Caty, Pat was an active mother and wife, and always there for her family. She spent her time following family activities, including sporting events, majorette performances and all of the things that were happening with her active kids. Later, she had the opportunity to follow her seven grandchildren in similar activities.

With her children growing up, Pat again pursued her work in sales at Cole's Department Store, owned by dear friends the Simons. She then was hired by Gainan's as a salesperson. Pat was so good at her job that her part-time position quickly became full time with management and supervisory responsibilities.

She ultimately became Customer Sales Supervisor at Gainan's. Pat "saved the bacon" for many busy men who had almost forgotten their wife, mother or girlfriend's birthday or anniversary. She loved her work and was a consummate salesperson. If there was a birth, death, wedding, funeral, budding romance or beautiful party, Pat helped people through it with her skill at finding the perfect flowers or gift. She admired the Gainan family, and they thought highly of Pat.

Pat introduced Maury to her childhood family vacation spot, Camp Tuffit at Lake Mary Ronan, early in their marriage. Pat and her family enjoyed annual vacations there for almost 50 years. Since 1983, close friends, the Crippens and the Simons, joined Maury and Pat at the lake, some years with nearly 50 people in the group. The memories of those times are cherished by her friends, children and grandchildren. What a rewarding experience that was for Pat.

Pat and Maury traveled together in retirement, including trips to England, Scotland and Italy with friends, a winter month in Green Valley, Arizona, for eight years and an Alaskan cruise. They also enjoyed many trips in the United State and Canada.

Pat was very active in the community. She was a member and past president of Junior League of Billings. She was an officer and active member of PEO Chapter Y. She was an active member of the University of Montana Alumni Association and First United Methodist Church. She and Maury felt very honored when they jointly received the 2012 Community Service Award from the University of Montana Alumni Association. She was a Griz fan, and she and Maury have had season football tickets for almost 20 years.

Pat was appointed by the governor as the lay member of the Montana State Board of Psychologists. She was very proud of that interesting and rewarding experience, and well respected by other members of the Board.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Jackie.

Pat is survived by her husband, Maury; her sister, Sharon Finney (Wayne) of Polson; her sons, Bradley Colberg (Karen) of Missoula and Steve Colberg (Teresa) of Three Forks; and her daughter, Caty Colberg of Spokane, Wash. She also is survived by her seven grandchildren, Ryan Colberg, Derek Colberg, Patrick Colberg, Jake Colberg, Luke Colberg, Morgan Frazier and Riley Frazier; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pat was a beloved wife, daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, friend and "second mom" to many people. Her spirit, humor, love and grace will be missed.

Her family would like to thank the staff at Billings Clinic and RiverStone Hospice House for their compassionate care of Pat.

Cremation has occurred. Memorial services will be at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15, at First United Methodist Church, 2800 Fourth Ave. North, Billings.

Pat may be honored by a donation to Chapter Y PEO Scholarship Fund, 1928 Lyndale Lane, Billings, MT 59102 or to a charity of choice.