Mary Kathryn “Kate” Patterson Evans

Tiny but mighty, Kate lived a long, active, and deeply engaged life of 100 years. She passed away peacefully at home on March 11th, just shy of her 101st birthday.

Born April 14, 1925, in Elkhart, Indiana, to Russell E. and Bernice Strickland Patterson, Kate discovered early her gift for storytelling through writing. In high school, she took advanced writing courses, reported for the weekly school paper, edited the yearbook, and spent two summers at the Elkhart Daily Truth writing wedding announcements and obituaries—an early preview of the work she would pursue throughout her life.

She continued her training at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, where she also reported and wrote feature stories for the Wilmette Life.

After graduating in 1947, Kate became editor of the women’s section of Oak Leaves in Oak Park, Illinois, writing about food, fashion, and the everyday moments that shape community life. It marked the beginning of a lifelong journalism career that followed her wherever she lived.

In June 1950, she married Richard D. Evans, a Marine Corps veteran from her hometown of Elkhart, Indiana. They settled in Northbrook, Illinois, where they raised their family—welcoming daughter Nancy in 1955, followed by twin sons, Gregory and Douglas, in 1958. While raising their active family, Kate remained deeply committed to volunteer work, contributing her writing skills to community newsletters.

In 1986, just after retirement, Kate and Dick took a bold step, leaving the Midwest for Big Sky, Montana. There they embraced the region’s natural beauty and outdoor life, building a wide circle of friends and enjoying activities such as skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, and biking, cultural events, as well as volunteering. In Big Sky, Kate discovered Eagle Mount, an organization providing recreational opportunities for children with cancer and individuals with disabilities. She happily returned to her favorite role—editor—producing the organization’s newsletter (this time on a computer) for 15 years, while also serving on several local boards and committees.

In 2009, Kate & Dick moved to Hillcrest Senior Living in Bozeman. Kate thought her journalism days might finally be behind her—until she was asked to refresh the Hillcrest newsletter. Naturally, she said yes, and residents soon praised its new look and lively style. Their years in Bozeman were rich and fulfilling, filled with a wide range of friendships, activity, and family connections.

After Dick’s passing in 2014, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kate moved to Missoula in 2020 to be closer to family. There she cherished the companionship of her daughter Nancy, who introduced her to new friends and activities. With Nancy’s assistance and the aid of her trusty walking sticks, she continued to embrace adventure well into her later years—swinging on swings, floating rivers, and walking trails as recently as last year.

Kate connected easily with people and enjoyed friends of all ages. She asked thoughtful, engaging questions and brought curiosity and intelligence to every conversation.

Her sparkling blue eyes missed little. She had a strong aesthetic sense and took pleasure in supporting local artists in Arizona and Montana, collecting meaningful pieces and deepening her appreciation for Native American history through visits to reservations. Her many interests included reading nonfiction, traveling widely, and following college basketball. She and Dick shared a devoted partnership for more than 64 years, building a life that was both intellectually rich and physically active.

Kate will be buried alongside her husband, Dick, at the Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery in Missoula.

She is survived by her children: Nancy Kinsey of Missoula; Gregory Evans of Salt Lake City; and Douglas Evans (Mary) of Louisville, Colorado; as well as six beloved grandchildren—and, the frosting on the cake—three great-grandchildren.