Heaven shone brighter on April 11, 2015. Patricia Lynn McGeshick “Zitkanan Sha Wiya” Red Bird Woman joined her mother and grandmothers to be with the Creator. Patty was born August 11, 1953 in Wolf Point, MT to Fred and Joyce (Beauchman) McGeshick. Patty was an enrolled member of the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes and was also Ojibwe. She lived her life as she was taught by her elders and spoke the Assiniboine language. She was baptized a Catholic and fulfilled her spiritual life when she embraced her Native traditional ways in the Assiniboine Medicine Lodge Society and Women’s Kinship Circle. “Our people believe we come from the 4th star in the Big Dipper. That’s where my family is at.”
Patty was preceded in death by her mother Joyce, her aunts Florence and Darlene and uncles, Patrick, Luke and Dean Beauchman.
Patty is survived by her father, Fred McGeshick, Sr., husband of 25 years Butch Bell, her children Steven and Nikita and adored grandchildren Ashton and Ji’ana. Her sisters: Florence Garcia of Billings, Marilyn Walls, Susan of Watersmeet MI, Lucy and Angie Kennedy. Brothers: Fred (Rena) of Granger WA, Rick, Joe and James of Wolf Point. Adopted sisters: Rose(John) Morsette, Coleen Clark, Danna (Bill) Runsabove, Lanette Clark, Rosella Archdale and Rhonda Mason. Aunts: Roberta Archdale and Mary Fullerton. Adopted daughters: Leanda Birthmark, Winona Runsabove and Elisabeth Garcia. Also numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and special friends Mary Gourneau and Elise and Jimmy Johnson of Ontario, Canada.
Patty was the Director of the Family Violence Resource Center for the Fort Peck Reservation for nearly 30 years. She was a passionate champion of victims’ rights and believed it was her responsibility to help women and especially children. She was the Tribal Prosecutor for the Fort Peck Tribes in 1982, was the Administrative Assistant in the Office of the Tribal Chairman in 1985, served as a Criminal Prosecutor for Adams County, Colorado in 1980 and the Clerk of Tribal Court in 1973.
Patty completed a Bachelor of Arts in Community Studies from NAES College in 1994 and the Colorado Law Enforcement Academy in 1981. She presented at more than 240 conferences and received many awards for her hard work including Montana Attorney General’s Office: Victims Rights Award (twice); US Dept. of Justice Certificate of Appreciation, Indian Child Welfare Advocate Award, Rocky Mountain Region; Attorney General’s Victims’ Rights Award, US Dept. of Justice, Washington DC, Indian Tribal Health Award, Montana Wyoming Tribal Leaders. She served on the Board of Montana Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Federal Work Group Consultant for the Office of Victims of Crime, Chairwoman of Montana Native Advisory Council, President of Montana Native Women Coalition and Montana Board of Crime Control.
God Bless You, Dearest Sister. Your star lights the way for us. I will always love you, Flower. Patty will be missed by all but would want us to continue to do and support the work she dedicated her life to.
Service Schedule
Prayer Service
7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Monday April 13, 2015
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel
102 Custer Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Tuesday April 14, 2015
Wolf Point Community Hall
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Service Schedule
Prayer Service
7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Monday April 13, 2015
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel
102 Custer Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Tuesday April 14, 2015
Wolf Point Community Hall
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Christine Holler-Dinsmore says
My deepest sympathy and prayers to all. Patty gave her life to the people. Her heart was huge. I will miss her. She always said prayer changes things. I’m sure she is right and she is praying for us now.
Peace to all
Pr. Christine
David E. Boyd Sr. says
Butch Fred and Family:
Sorry to hear about Patty passing, our prayers are with you all.
Sarah McArthur says
It is with a sad yet grateful heart that I remember my Lodge sister, Zitgana Sha Wiya. She is a beautiful being that entered into my life for she had much knowledge to share with me throughout the many years that I’ve known her. My life is richer because she cared so much for the ways and teachings of the Nakodabi.
Condolences to Butch, her children, grandchildren, family members and her Lodge family.
Diane Spotted Elk says
My deepest condolences to her family & friends. Patty was inspiring to all advocates. She will be missed my prayers and thoughts to you all. Seek comfort in our creator.
Gloria Grant Gone/Cal Gone says
My deepest condolences to the family members of Patty, our paths have crossed many times, even when I moved to Nebraska, we met again being board members of the Sacred Women Society. Patty always said she took Big Cal as her brother and always hugged him and said she worried about him. Patty was an inspiration to me, a friend, and a sister in the battle against Violence Against Women. Patty inspired not only me but many other native women in the charismatic mannerism of traditional strength….. Travel to paradise and touch the hand of the Creator and hand him all our Native Women’s tears, give them the Devine strength to carry on your mission. R.I.P…..Patty McGeshick, my friend.
Caressa Grooms Weeks says
Lots of love for you auntie
Caressa Grooms Weeks says
Lots of love for you auntie Patty, you will be missed by many. *Prayers*
Petrea Martin says
What a wonderful example Patty was of how to work for and with people. I enjoyed working with her and learned a lot. She will be greatly missed! My condolences to her loved ones.
Billie Jean McClammy Norgaard says
I will always cherish the memories I have of Patty. She taught me so much while I worked at the family violence resource center from Dec. 2001 to July 2006. We became more than co-workers. She was a mentor and very dear friend. I will miss her words of encouragement and her wonderful laugh. Many didn’t know this but Patty and I had grandmothers who were both married to Daniel Knapp. My grandmother was Emma Blount and hers’ was “Duck Woman”. We may have never known that if our paths had never crossed. She made a difference in many victim’s lives through the FVRC. She made a difference in my life too. Thank You Patty.
Maryam Khadidja Baker says
I’m devastated that our community has lost one of its most valuable and respected women. Patty was an amazing teacher, mentor, and friend. She took a chance on hiring me and it was a privilege to work under her guidance. My sincere condolences and prayers for her family, friends and our community. What a great loss. May she rest in peace eternally.
Kate Shanley says
What a heartbreaking loss. May all of her beloved family and friends who are able to gather bring each other comfort and strength. Our prayers and thought are with you.
Love from our family,
Kate Shanley, David Moore, Caleb Moore and Jay Vangen
Ronette Natal says
I will miss you Patty. Thank you for always trying to help me. I will never forget it. Love & Prayers to the family. I am so sad to hear this. RIP.
Stephanie Marchand says
The Fort Peck Tribe lost a leader with the passing of Patty. Although I did not know her well, she served her people/her Tribe very admirably, honorably, and has earned a tremendous amount of respect from the many lives she touched and the many victims who, through Patty’s perseverance and dedication to her work, were able to lead healthier, safer lives.
Diane Payne says
I am incredibly sad to hear Patty has walked on – she has been a special Sister to me for many years as we shared the work we have done together and separately on safety for Native women & children. We have served on committees together, taught together & shared stories of frustrations & joys. I was honored to have been invited to provide training in her community at her request. My heartfelt prayers that memories of her love of People, her passion, teachings, sweet laughter and generous Spirit will comfort those closest to her. As for me, I will carry her inspiring Strength with me until I join her on the Other Side. Thank you to her family for sharing her with the rest of us.
A. Dennis "Sonny" Lambert says
I am deeply saddened to hear of Patty’s passing. My deepest condolences to her family as well as her friends.
raymond cobell says
My heart is filled with sadness. Patty was a wonderful, strong, native lady. We shared many good times when we were in Denver. She leaves a huge legacy behind and our grandfathers will welcome her and honor her arrival. Many blessings Patty ! The honor was all mine !
Kitty Kolden says
Patty was such an indomitable force in the world! Her physical presence will be sorely missed by so many. Butch, I wish you and the family much peace in the days to come.
Kitty Kolden
Marcia Hurd says
I worked with Patty for many years while I was a prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana. Patty was an amazing woman, and no one fought harder for victim’s rights than she did. She will be missed–
Francis & Georgette Boyer says
Florence & Family, please know our thoughts and prayer’s are with you all.
God bless each of you in a specialy way today with strenght and comfort and peace in your hearts.
Always, Francis and Georgette Boyer, South Dakota
Lois Fleming says
Sorry for your loss. Her spirit lives within all of you.
Terry McAnally says
May she rest in peace as she fought her war during her lifetime. No greater champion of abused Indian children and adults existed here on Ft. Peck Reservation. My hope is that her passion for healing will be continued. For all who were in her circle, my heart goes out to you all as you grieve her loss. She was indeed, a great lady who sacrificed for her people.
Elaine Topsky says
I met Patty and grew to respect her special insight to life and how she shared her thoughts with those around her. I will miss her.
Brad Tande says
Our deepest sympathies.
Mary Kay Hoch says
I am deeply saddened to hear of Patty’s passing. She meant so much to me and I loved her. I will be praying for her family.
daisy rowland says
sorry for your loss my prayers are with the family
Traci LeVay Holt says
Thoughts and Prayers for the Family. Patty was always so kind and thoughtful to everyone. Always greeting with a warm smile and gentle sense of humor. She will be missed greatly.
Pati Killebrew-Hall says
I am so sorry for your loss. I am so sad to hear about the loss of my sister..she will be missed by so many people. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers along with the Ft Peck community. There are no words to say how she helped me by her actions and words…all the women have lost a great role model whom never stopped helping women both at her job and a member of lodge.
Holly O'Toole says
To the family of Patty and all of the Fort Peck Community:
Patty was probably the most giving person I have ever known. She cared so very deeply for her family, her friends and her community. She gave so much to children and will be greatly missed by all who have been touched by her spirit. Prayers for all of you.
Patt Iron Cloud says
My heart is broken today. I love you Patty. May God bless you on your beautiful journey. Thank you for your pure love for our Tribal Families. I will miss you forever. Patt
Maryann Wetsit and Dolly Stark says
so sorry for your loss… We love you and your in our prayers and thoughts…..she will be missed…. She’s a beautiful angel….
Dianne Barker Harrold says
Sympathies to Patty’s family as well as her tribe and those she worked with and all those people she served over the years. I worked with Patty for several years and have been out to her office at Fort Peck at least twice. She was a wonderful person, so committed to service and did such great work. It is a huge loss to our national tribal community victim services. Blessings to you all and to Patty as she enters Heaven and the Spirit World. Thoughts and prayers to you family members as well as the staff she worked with and her tribal community.
Delphine. Camarillo says
Florence&Elizabeth:my deepest condolences to you on this sad news.pplease know i’m praying that the good lord gets you girls through this time of sorrow
Nina Fox says
I am left speechless as I write this with a heavy heart for my lodge sister Patty. What a loss of a great woman with such greatness in every manner. An angel for her people that she worked so hard for. A lodge sister that will be greatly missed, her smile her radiant personality. Patty was a strong woman with strong values and knowledge of spirituality! May you join your relatives in the spirit world, with no more pain. Prayers to my grandson Butch and their children and grandchildren.
Stacey Summers says
Butch, & family
My deepest condolences. Patty was such an inspiration & I’m glad I met her.
Thank you Patty for your dedication to the Fort Peck Indian reservation & Advocating for women/children in Indian country! . U will be dearly missed beautiful lady. ❤️
Linda L. Hansen says
My heart breaks for Patty’s family, as I know she was cherished and will be missed dearly! I met Patty many years ago under unfortunate circumstances. From that time forward, whenever our paths crossed, I was met with a warm hug and a bright hello! We became colleagues and I had the great fortune of working with her in different capacities. She worked hard for others and gave so much of herself to her community – she will be missed and her legacy will remain with us all for many years to come. God Bless! She will be welcomed in heaven with open arms!!
Avis Prentice says
My sincere and heartfelt prayers go out to Patty’s family. I also had the privilege to work closely with her. She was always in control of the MANY crisis events we encountered and knew exactly what had to be done to keep families and staff safe! I have a lot of happy memories we shared, nothing but uncontrollable laughter during our many staff cook-outs & dinners. She’s probably organizing the angels and sending them to help those in need.
Rubin Ackerman says
Go with God Patty. Our prayers go out to the family of this sweet lady. She will be remembered fondly in this house.
Shirl Pinto-Robinson says
Deepest condolences to the family. Patty was an inspiration and role model to many of us women who worked with victims of abuse. Through her hard work and sincere efforts, we learned to help many who were hurting and struggling to come to know a better life for themselves.
Thank you Patty, for being the role-model and the beautiful woman you are.
Kathy Rauch says
My deepest condolences to Patty’s family. I had the privilege of visiting with Patty a number of times during the past years about different children. Patty loved the children of Wolf Point.
She will be greatly missed.
Rebekah Main says
Sending prayers to Patty’s family, friends, and community. It was an honor to have known Patty in the short time our National Resource Centers had spent with her and several tribal and community members. Patty was strong in her belief in children, families, and the community – she will be missed.
Lucy Redekopp says
My prayers &thoughts go to the family, Pattie will be dearly missed she was a great leader for the women of the Ft.Peck Reservation she will always live in our hearts.
Love & prayers
Lucy Redekopp says
My prayers &thoughts go to the family, Pattie will be dearly missed she was a great leader for the women of the Ft.Peck Reservation she will always live in our hearts.
Thomas C Brown says
Patty and I went through grade school and high school together and she was one of the most sweetest, smartest and nicest classmates I had. I am deeply saddened by this news and will continue to hold her family in my prayers.
Bonnie Baker Bialecki says
I am so sorry for your loss. May God Bless all of you, i will keep you all in my Prayers.
Cookie Desjarlais says
Patty always had my utmost respect and it was an honor to work with her for over a decade combatting child abuse. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends.
Kimberly Woodard says
I am deeply saddened to hear of Patty’s passing. I had the pleasure of working with her for many years during my tenure with USDOJ’s Office on Violence Against Women. Patty was a tireless and fearless advocate for Native women and children, and her warmth, wisdom, and voice will be missed. Her family and close friends should take comfort in knowing that she leaves behind a powerful legacy in her work in developing a strong a vibrant program for victims at Fort Peck, as well as in the work that she performed to shape national policy to help keep women and children safe throughout Indian country. Patty’s commitment to service and justice sets a standard to which we should all aspire, particularly those of us who are continuing to work on behalf of crime victims. My thoughts and prayers are with Patty’s family at this time.
Pamela Harvey says
What a lovely lady. May her spirit glide through the heavens with the hawk
Diane (Wetsit)Hoy says
To Butch, Family, Lodge Family,& Friends
With heartfelt sadness, we send our love & support during this difficult time. May we gain comfort in knowing our Creator has brought another Helper Home, who will continue her work with limitless boundaries. She will be missed. Our prayers are with you.
Diane & Jim Hoy
Vern Gagnon says
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Luke Petriccione says
To Florence and Patty Family and Friends
It is with deep felt sympathy for your lose of Patty. may the Creator bless her and reward her good work in this life with everlasting love and joy with here family in the heaven beyond.
Mike and Mary (Schoppert) Boyd says
Our heartfelt sympathy to brother Butch and the children. We are shocked and saddened to learn of Patty’s passing. She was such a kind and remarkable woman whose beautiful spirit shined through the tireless commitment of her life’s work in victim’s rights and child protection. Such a gentle soul, but a fierce and formidable adversary against anyone who dared harm a child or a victim in need of protection. Hers was a voice for the weak, the oppressed, the shamed or the fearful. She helped strengthen the voice for women’s rights and brought a resurgence of pride to Native women everywhere. She brought understanding and an awareness of Native spirituality and pointed the path for others to follow. We will never again look at the fourth star in the red dipper without thinking of this beautiful lady with the big smile and a heart to match. Blessings.
fred mcgeshick, jr says
My sister Patty, you’re with mom, grandma’s and other relatives for eternity. The pure love God gives us if we follow him. I love you, and no more pain only God’s love forever. Amen.
Marsha Ferraguti says
To Florence Garcia and family of Patty:
I am sorry for you loss. My prayers are with you all.
“All to myself I think of you, Think of the things we used to do, Think of the things we used to say, Think of each happy yesterday. Sometimes I sigh and sometimes I smile, but I keep each olden, golden while all to myself.”
Dale Buckles & Yvonne Buckles says
I am absolutely floored by Patty’s passing. Mom and myself send our prayers and our sympathies go out to the entire family. May God be with you all during this time of sorrow. May God Bless all of you. Love from the Buckles’ Family.
Melveena Malatare says
I just heard of Patty’s passing and am still very shocked. I worked with Patty at various domestic violence events. Patty was dynamic and forceful when it came to the problems of DV and the effects on her people. Patty leaves a legacy few will be able to continue. My prayers are with Patty’s family. Melveena Running Rabbit Malatare, Blackfeet Tribe
Helen Bighorn says
To Patty’s Beloved Family and friends,
With my lodge sister’s passing the heavens revealed from North to South the large encampment that welcomed her home. Rest in Peace and thanks for the legacy of your sacrifices and hard work…