Particia S. Bumbarger

Patricia Pat S. Bumbarger, 74, of Great Falls, owner of Payless Furniture, died of natural causes at a local hospital on Saturday, March 3, 2012.Viewing will be on Wednesday, March 7, 2012 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Schnider Funeral Home. A private service and entombment will be held at Hillcrest Mausoleum. Schnider Funeral Home is handling arrangements.Patricia S. White Bumbarger was born February 14, 1938 in Walla Walla, WA. As a young child, Pat moved to Ulm, Montana with her father and mother, Everett and Melitta White. They operated a small grocery store and gas station where Pat helped pump gas and run the store. Later, Pat and her parents purchased a wheat farm where she drove the trucks. She graduated from Cascade High School with honors in music. She attended the University of Montana, where she continued her study of music and she also volunteered at the local orphanage.Pat married her husband, of fifty-three years, Fred, in 1957 and together they had three children, Camie, Tonya, and Brenton. Pat was a devoted and loving wife, mother and grandmother and enjoyed being involved with her children and grandchildren. She was an avid antique collector and enjoyed playing her piano. Pat joined her husband in the operation of their business, the Payless Furniture Store for thirty-one years, until ill health forced her retirement. Despite having to cope with failing health, her love and concern for her family was unending and she always wanted to know what was happening in their lives. She spent time at home and later enjoyed comfort and compassionate care at Benefis Skilled Nursing Center.Pat is survived by her husband Fred Bumbarger of Great Falls; daughters Camie (Randy) Eustance of Great Falls and Tonya (Bruce) Jenkins of Corvallis; son Brent (Beverly) Bumbarger of Great Falls; and her four grandchildren, Chanee, Everett, Arielle, and Matthew.In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, NW Chapter, 1215 4th Ave, Ste 1400, Seattle, WA 98161.