Michelina Patch

Michelina “Mickey” Patch passed away on Friday, September 13, 2019 at St. Luke Community Hospital in Ronan. She was born April 10, 1922 in Cenadi, Italy to Antonio and Rose Destito. Michelina Destito came to the United States in 1936 at the age of 14. She settled with her parents, brother Tony, and sister Orlanda in the remote railroad and logging community of Avery, Idaho.

She attended Avery School where she learned English as her second language. When she finished school, she went to work for the Milwaukee Railroad. She met John Patch in Avery. In 1945 they were the first couple to be married at St Albert the Great Catholic Church in Alberton, Montana. Mickey remained an active member of Saint Albert’s Parish until her passing.

Mickey and John raised four children in Alberton. Lonnie Patch (Russell Kessler) Falls Church, VA., Patricia (deceased), Tom Patch (Pam) Ronan MT and Kathy Kibler (Mike Ferris) Salem, OR. She was adored by 5 grandchildren and 9 great- grandchildren. Also survived by twin brothers John and Albert Destito.

Mickey was an avid gardener whose skills reflected her strong love of family. Her garden is a history of family members and loved ones who passed on cuttings from their own garden. When she wasn’t working in her garden, she could be found walking alone or with some of her many walking companions. On several occasions they would walk 7 miles for lunch and walk 7 miles back. Is it any wonder she lived to be 97.

Mickey was a strong supporter of Alberton athletics. She was a regular spectator at Panther football and basketball games. Mickey was a huge football fan cheering mostly for her favorite teams, the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame and the Philadelphia Eagles.

Mickey’s priorities were Faith, Family and Friends. She dedicated herself equally to all three. She is preceded in death by her husband John, her daughter Patricia, her brother Tony and her sister Orlanda.

A Funeral Mass for Mickey will be held on Thursday, September 19, 2019 at 11:30 at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church in Alberton with burial to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Missoula. Memorial contributions may be sent to St. Albert’s Church, P.O. Box 329, Frenchtown, MT 59834.