Mrs. Patricia Lee Gasper died Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012, in Butte, surrounded and cared for by her loving family.

      She was born on Sept. 23, 1938, to Fred “Bud” and Ruth (Ayers) McEwen of Walkerville.   Patty was one of 16 sisters and brothers.

      Upon graduation from Butte High School, Patty went to work for Mountain Bell where she worked until she married her love, Michael “Mitch” Gasper, and started their family.   They were blessed with five beautiful children: Martin Andrew, Andree’ Patricia, Michael Thomas, Kimberley Anne and John Joseph Gasper.   Patty was very proud of all of her children’s accomplishments and that they had all earned their college degrees.

      Patty’s love of children made her an important presence and strong influence in the lives of her three grandchildren: Siobhan, Lachlan and Michael Patrick.   They were the lights of her life.

      Patty will be deeply missed by her family and friends.   She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt.

      Patty was preceded in death by her parents, Fred “Bud” and Ruth McEwen;   sisters, Shari McEwen and Rosalyn Carpenter;   brothers, Buddy McEwen and Daniel McEwen;   sisters-in-law, Patty McEwen and Judy McEwen;   brothers-in-law, Bill Egan and Rex Pruitt;   nephew, Pat McCarthy;   and father and mother-in-law, Martin and Anna Kovacich.

      She is survived by her beloved husband, Michael “Mitch” Gasper;   her children, Martin (Michelle) Gasper, Andree’ (Alden) Wock, Michael (Heather) Gasper, Kimberley Gasper and John Gasper;   and grandchildren, Siobhan Wock, Lachlan Stradinger and Michael Patrick Gasper.

      Other survivors include her sisters and brothers and their families:   Sylvia and Don Eich, Janet and Michael McCarthy, Frances and Will Wyland, Gary and Rhonda McEwen, Rich and Margie McEwen, David and Emelia McEwen, Carol and Steve Mullaney, Teri and Scott McBride, Donna Pruitt, Marlene Egan, John McEwen, Myles Carpenter, Dianne and Tom Cannon and more than 100 nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

      Cremation has taken place at Butte Crematories and interment of ashes and a private family gathering will be held at a later date.

      The Mitch Gasper family wishes to express our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to all our family and friends, to the doctors and staff of Rocky Mountain Hospice, and to the doctors, nurses and staff at St. Peter’s Cancer Center and Dialysis Center in Helena.

      Memorials may be made to Rocky Mountain Hospice, the American Cancer Society, the American Diabetes Association or to the National Kidney Foundation.

      Axelson Alternative Cremation is privileged to serve Patty’s family.

      Express condolences at www.mtstandard.com/obits.