Granny Pat passed away unexpectedly at her home in Fallon on Sunday evening, September 24, 2023. Pat will be reunited in heaven with her husband Clifford Franklin, son Tori, sister Aledene, her parents, grandson Chantz, nieces Kayla and Raelynn.

Patricia Rae Mitchell was born on June 13, 1951 to Frances (Gould) and Ray Mitchell in Miles City. She married Clifford August 16, 1969 and had two children Tori on May 4, 1971 and Hattie October 29, 1975, while living the cowboy dream.

Pat is survived by her siblings K.C., Floyd (Charry), Dixie (Carey), Jeri (Marlin) and daughter Hattie (Jason). Grandchildren Dani (James), Gunner, Tyler (Jessica), Bailey, Austin (Alzada), Drew (Laura Kate) and Grayson. Nephews Levi (Chrystal), Drew (Brittney), Colby (Chelsea) and Harry. Nieces Wendy (Hugh) and Lindsey. She loved her dear friend Veda and great nieces and nephews. Pets Sambo, Kitty and Newt.

So, God made the cowboy’s wife.

God said, “I need somebody who will get up with the blue birds, make the coffee, cook the bacon, work all day horseback alongside her cowboy and then come home to make supper, water her flowers and tend to her garden. She will slow dance in the kitchen; his high school, homecoming queen. Then, read her children a bedtime story and put Vicks on their feet.”

God said, “I need someone who can cook ham and bean soup with buttered rolls and feed all the helping neighbors chasing yearlings in the timber. Cussing like a sailor, driving the mule full of kids. She will chew tobacco, drink whiskey, play cards, golf, clean with bleach and spoil her pets.”

God said, “I need someone who can handle being snowed in during the winter and to show the grandchildren the secret spot and best fishing spot. She will be wearing black leather, searching for the best cedar trees down creeks and streams. Picking sage, the caretaker of the land and animals. The sugar to his cinnamon, who kept us all together, in recipes only she knew. Somebody who’d shower us with unconditional love, a sense of humor and a contagious laugh that filled a room.”

So, God made the cowboy’s wife.

Inspire by So God Made a Farmer’s Wife – written by Sierra Shea

A visitation will be held on Saturday, October 7, 2023, with family receiving friends from 3:00-5:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral home in Broadus. Ashes will be spread with family at her favorite fishing hole on the Little Powder.