Lorraine Pattyn

Lorraine M. Pattyn passed away on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at 95.  She was a long-time resident of Lodge Grass, Montana.  She was born in Aberdeen, Washington on March 26, 1929.  She lived there with her parents, Walfred B. Bergquist and Agnes Anderson Bergquist Standish.  After her father’s death, the family moved to Rotten Grass Creek in Lodge Grass, Montana when Lorraine was eight years old. 

She attended school at Lodge Grass, graduating from high school in 1947.  Lorraine completed her degree in elementary education at Eastern Montana College with a minor in music education.  She began her teaching career at St. Xavier in 1948. After her marriage to Edward F. Pattyn on November 26, 1949, they moved to the ranch at Rotten Grass Creek, where Lorraine taught at the Antler Country School. Later she taught in Crow Agency, Huntley Project, Lodge Grass, and Wyola.  She was also instrumental in establishing the first Crow Reservation Head Start with Roy Martinsen and Josephine Pease Russell.   She taught several summers at the Black Canyon Youth Camp in the 1970s.   Lorraine’s teaching career spanned more than 60 years. 

 When she wasn’t teaching, Lorraine was very active in community clubs, the Our Lady of Loretto Church, and the Lodge Grass City Council.  She also cooked summers at several Big Horn County restaurants—Merry Mixer, Purple Cow, Sage, and Custer Battlefield Trading Post.  Her favorite hobbies included music, playing the accordion, gardening, canning, and cooking.   

 Lorraine’s greatest love was her family.  Her enjoyment was following her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to their school and sporting events, 4-H competitions, horse shows, and rodeos. 

 Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents, her stepfather Dell Standish, and her sister and brother-in-law Barbara Joy and Harold Campbell. 

 Lorraine is survived by her daughters Linda Joy Small, Della (Mike) Anderson, and Edna (Rocky) Nelson.  Grandchildren: Paula Lorraine Small-Plenty (Len Plenty), Clinton Dell (Lucinda) Small, Chance E. (Kristin) Nelson.  Great-grandchildren: Sadye (Seth) Kreiger, Arena Plenty (Tyrell Old Coyote), Codi (Jael) Small, and Gunner Plenty (Kamber Good Luck), Trey Nelson, Audrey Nelson.  Great-great-grandchildren: Jeremiah Small, Caislynn Small, Quincy Bay Old Coyote.  Lorraine is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews from the Anderson, Bergquist and Pattyn families.

In place of flowers, donations can be made to the Big Horn County Historical Museum or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital donation site or call (800) 805-5856.

Online condolences may be written at www.kanefuneral.com. Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.