Patty Jean Matt, 61

Patty Jean Matt, 61, passed away at the Eastern Montana Veterans Home on Jan. 12, 2022.

Patty graduated from Chemawa Indian School in Salem, Ore., and went on to serve in the U.S. Army for more than 20 years. Her military career included postings in Kuwait and Iraq, and she was proud to serve the Joint Chiefs of Staff under Colin Powell.

Following her military career, Patty returned to St. Ignatius to be close to relatives and friends. She enjoyed basketball, and was an avid beadworker.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Marianne Matt, and grandparents Dewey and Ferol C. Matt.

She is survived by her sister, Gen Huitt; cousins Fred Matt, Randall Matt, Bedgie Matt and Grettie Matt; niece Kateri Huitt; nephew Beartracks Calanche; goddaughters Tyra Huitt and Aliyah Huitt; and many friends, including John Matt and the Tanners and Sherwoods. A funeral mass was celebrated at the St. Ignatius Catholic Mission with military honors.