Ayleen Patricia (Kane) Chauvet, better known as "Pat" or "Patty", was born November 10th, 1924 in Scobey, Montana. She passed away on December 16th, 2015 at the Benefis Medical Center in Great Falls at the age of 91 years.
Patty's parents were Leonard and Elenor (Anderson) Kane, who had strong Irish heritages. She was the younger of two children including her older brother, Kenneth. Patty received her elementary education in Conrad. In 1936 the Kanes moved to Big Sandy, where Patty finished her secondary education. Unfortunately, her father died when she was just 13, so Patty worked throughout her high school years to help support her family. She graduated from Big Sandy H.S. in 1943.
Patty married a Big Sandy man, Kenneth Chauvet, on April 8th, 1944 in Anniston, Alabama. When Kenneth was sent overseas to fulfill his military assignment, Patty returned to Montana, where she worked at the Chouteau County Assessor's office in Fort Benton. After Kenneth finished his military service, they began farming and ranching at Big Sandy.
Patty enjoyed her life as a homemaker, farm wife, and mother of three. She was known for her loyalty to family and friends, for her exceptional cooking/baking skills, and for her impeccable home. She was a lifelong Methodist who served as a Sunday School teacher and was active in the Women's Society of the U.M.C. (where she planned several wedding receptions). Other memberships included the American Legion Auxiliary (where she served as Auxiliary president on three separate occasions) and the Eagles Auxiliary. Patty also served as a clerk on local school board elections and worked as a volunteer on the Big Sandy Historical Society. She was proud to be a lifelong resident of the Big Sandy community.
In her high school years Patty played the clarinet in the band, which attended a music festival in Calgary. On that memorable trip she was privileged to see the Queen of England. Patty continued to love music, so she enjoyed playing the piano and watching musical shows on television (like Lawrence Welk). In addition she loved to support her grandchildren in all of their school activities and special events. In later years she was able to attend the weddings of two granddaughters – Shelley, in Big Sandy and Lana, in Hawaii – as well as her niece's daughters who were married in Missoula. Patty also enjoyed several trips to California to visit relatives.
Patty left a legacy as a hard-working, independently-minded, helpful, and polite woman. She will be sorely missed by those who loved her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, and her husband (who died in September of 2015).
She is survived by her three children, Darrell Chauvet (Betty Jo) of Big Sandy, Carol Steven (James) of Chester, and Rick Chauvet (Yo Fen) of Great Falls; 5 grandchildren, Shelley, Shane, Scott, Samantha, and Lana; 7 great-grandchildren, Emma, Ella, Kash, Reed, Rhett, Hannah, and Hans; sister-in-law, Esther Kane of Florence; two nieces, Marith & Debbie; and one nephew, Patrick.
Funeral services were conducted at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday (Dec. 29th) at the United Methodist Church in Big Sandy by Pastor Sharon Robertson. The congregation sang favorite songs of the season, including "Silent Night" and "O Little Town of Bethlehem". Joanne Kibbee (organist) and Linda Ophus (pianist) provided accompaniment. Scriptures were read by Jim Steven and Shelley VonStein, and the obituary was shared by Samantha Steven. Patty's grandchildren served as pallbearers. Following burial at the Big Sandy Cemetery, a reception was held at the church. Arrangements were handled by Rockman Funeral Chapel, Chester.
