Patti Jo Kessler

Too soon for all but God, heaven has gained a special angel. She was a beautiful wife and mother, sister and grandmother, daughter and friend. Patti Kessler passed away peacefully on the afternoon of Monday, Aug. 21, 2023, in Billings, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Patti Jo Kessler was born in Wolf Point, Montana, on Sunday, May 29, 1960, to David and Norma (Gus) Matejovsky. She was the fourth of six children. Patti dearly loved her family and much of her childhood was spent in a small home on the farm, where all six children slept in the same room.

Patti first laid eyes on her future husband, Chuck, when she was 11 years old. But it wasn’t until years later that their paths crossed once again. Even at 18, Patti’s faith was a central part of her life. She and Chuck “hit it off.” There were many talks: of faith and family, and life, and what was really important in the end. Chuck was to say that he was her first “convert.” Over time, they discovered that they had a common vision and, in October 1979, they were married and began their life together with few assets, but with lasting core values on which to build their family.

The following year, they were blessed with their first son, Dustin, to be followed with Trenton and then Patrick. There were lean years, but rich as well. “Where your heart lies, your treasure also.” Patti’s treasure throughout the years was to be found in her faith, her family and her friends.

Throughout her illness, which she endured for 12 years, Patti drew strength not so much from others as in giving to them. She perfected the art of listening and, by listening to those around her, she would meet them where their need was. She was “present,” whether to lifelong friends or to the person who cleaned her hospital room, in the sharing of time and burdens. She was dedicated to her grandchildren and, even when sick, would find creative ways to do things together with them like crafts and baking Christmas bread. This was how Patti created “memories” and we cherish them all the more now that she is gone.

Patti was gentle; Patti was strong. “Courage,” and the meaning of that word, was only one of many lessons we learned from Patti’s example. She was spiritual with one foot firmly planted on earth. A loving wife, a devoted mother and grandmother, a loving daughter, sister and friend, her life was a successful one. It was an honor and a privilege to share it and, in faith, we look forward to that day when we will see her again.

Patti is survived by her husband, Chuck; sons Dustin, Trenton (Melida) and Patrick; her granddaughters, Sofia and Quincy; her special niece, Tosha; parents David and Gus Matejovsky; her devoted sister, Debbie; and brothers Steve, David (Kay), Lyle and Michael (Brent) ; sisters-in-law Kandi Kessler and Debbi Hanna

Patti was preceded in death by her sisters-in-law, Sheila Kessler and LeAnn Matejovsky; mother-in-law Sandi Kessler; and father-in-law Roy Kessler.

Special thanks to dear friends, including Karen Hefner and, of course, her ya-ya- sisters: Sharon Halligan, Donna Marler, Judy Doll, Bonnie Hansen, Denise Baltus and Diane Hunter.

A memorial service for Patti will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 29, at Faith Evangelical Church, 3145 Sweet Water Drive. Interment will follow at Yellowstone Valley Memorial Park, Billings, with a reception to follow.