Patricia Ramseth

Patricia Louise Piper Ramseth, 59 died April 22, 2012, at her home.

She was born April 25, 1952, in Whitefish, the daughter of Howard and Ruth (Stemmene) Piper.

Patti attended Columbia Falls schools and graduated from Columbia Falls High School in 1970. She married Jerry Barnhart in 1970 and resided in Missoula while Jerry attended college. Upon graduation, they moved to Helena, where she and Jerry were divorced and she began a 25-year career in the accounting division of Kmart and Walmart.

Patti returned to Columbia Falls in 1998 to help her parents. She loved her work and the people she worked with at National Flood Services, in Kalispell.

She met Peter Ramseth, and they were married April 28, 2001, at Eidsvold Lutheran Church, in Lakeside, where both were members. She served on the church council at Eidsvold and was for a time the congregational president.

Patti’s passion in life was doing for others, and she began her lifelong mission of helping others as a volunteer candy striper or nurse’s aide in her mid-high school years. Later, she became a certified nurse’s aide and worked part-time doing home care, specializing in caring for the elderly.

She also supported Ray of Hope mission in Kalispell, and a mission for the homeless in Spokane, Wash. She is remembered for her devotion and care for so many around her.

Patti was preceded in death by her mother, Ruth Louise Piper. She was very close to her Grandma Millie.

Patricia is survived by her husband Peter Ramseth, of Kalispell; father Howard Piper, of Columbia Falls; sister Pamela Smith and husband David, of Meridian, Idaho; brother John Piper and wife Tina, of Columbia Falls; several nieces and nephews; and one great nephew.

A memorial service was held April 30, 2012, at Eidsvold Lutheran Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Communities, 40 Claremont Avenue, Kalispell, or to Eidsvold Lutheran Church, Lakeside, or to Ray of Hope, 46 Fifth Avenue West, Kalispell

To offer condolences and view Patti’s tribute wall, visit online at www.columbiamortuary.com.