It is with mixed emotions (we are grieved she is gone, but grateful her suffering is over) that we share that our beloved mother, Patty Josephine (Smith) Sayler, 80, of Alberton, Mt, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2026, surrounded by family.

Mother was diagnosed with dementia in January of 2023, and it slowly robbed her of the quality of life she desired. Particularly, her ability to talk. Which, as you know, was one of her greatest joys. She didn't earn the nickname "Chatty Patty" for no reason! But, as granddaughter Jen said, "Dementia took her memory, but it could never take her heart!" Mother brought joy and much laughter to the staff and residents of Edgewood Memory Care up to the very last of her days.

Mother was born in Lewistown, Montana, on March 26, 1946, to Emmet and Mary Louise Smith. She was the number two daughter of seven children. The family moved to Missoula in 1957, where she would eventually meet and marry Ruben Sayler, Jr., on September 3, 1962.

Life with Ruben was always an adventure. In 1965, they moved from city life to a cabin up Butler Creek in the 9-Mile Valley, where she raised her children and grew into a fiercely strong, courageous, and capable woman. Hauling buckets of water from the creek for drinking, cleaning, and dirty diapers until we eventually got running water. She chopped and carried firewood and was our father's "right-hand man!" Tough as nails, she was.

Mother drove the School Bus for Alberton School for 38 years. Her short five-foot stature made it difficult to reach the gas pedal. But not to be deterred, she wired a wooden block to the pedal, enabling her short legs to reach it. There were no "snow days" when Mother drove. She could navigate the worst of conditions and was commended by several men regarding her driving skills. We have received several comments from parents and children that she was the best bus driver ever and was highly trusted to deliver kids to and from school.

When she wasn't driving a bus, she was cooking for the Senior Citizens Center in Alberton (37 years) or volunteering. Food was one of her primary love languages. She was always cooking something wonderful, and there was always room for guests at her table. Never one to sit still, she was a "get'er done" gal. Her heart was huge and filled with joy, ever-smiling and laughing. She seldom splurged on herself, pinching her pennies so she could give to others. Many of the kids who rode her bus were beneficiaries of her generosity. From cookies to clothes, she was making sure everyone had what they needed. She would share her gift of flowers with her lady friends, carefully dividing the blossoms to bless her buddies. She was our rock.

Her family meant everything to her, especially in the final months. She will be lovingly remembered by her daughter, Tammy (Sayler) Dove (Doug); son, Eric (Jolene); granddaughters, Jennifer Digiando (Nicc) and Sara Erbaugh (Bobby); grandson, David Nelson; and great-grandchildren, Kaleb, Cael, and Carly Joe. Sisters, Vinette Rupp, Margaret Buck, Susan Jensen, Joyce Boyer. Nieces and nephews.  And her bonus son, Roman Zylawy.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Emmett and Mary Lou Smith; her husband, Ruben; her sister, Dawn Stanley; and her brother, Ron Smith.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the 9-Mile Community Center on Sunday, June 14th, at 2 pm. Potluck meal to follow. Meat,  beverages, and utensils will be provided.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Patty's favorite charities. Alberton Seinor Citizens Center, Watson's Children's Shelter, Mountain Home, Montana, or your local Food Bank, or Alzheimer's/Dementia research.