Patricia Josephine (Garlick) Long passed away in Billings, Montana surrounded by her loving family on July ,2026 after a short illness.

Patty was born and raised in Lewistown where she grew up in a Native American/Irish family. Both sides of her heritage were always present in every aspect of her everyday life. Her maternal grandmother, Mary R. LaFountain, whom Patty loved dearly, was born in a tepee, spoke the native language around all her grandchildren and in her quiet fashion taught Patty the Indian ways. Those ways were about the full circle of life, which included death and to have a respect and consider all life holy, not just mankind. Patty would often recount the times that grandma would persuade her to go to Catholic mass a second, a third time, even though she really did not want to go. She told me she would always give in because she loved her so much. Patty was an enrolled member of the Little Shell Band of Chippewa Indians. Her father's side was where the Irish influence took hold, from the dishes that were made for family meals, to the tap dancing, as well as the Irish dancing and songs that her dad taught her.

After high school in Lewistown, she received her BA in Criminology at MSU in Bozeman, MT. For a short while, she worked in the Lewistown parole office before starting her family, having four children, Shawnee, JoJo, Shane and Shawn. Patty was in the military reserves for several years, serving alongside her brother and sister.

Patty was preceded in death by her grandmother, Mary LaFountain, her parents, Emery and Dorothy Garlick, her sister Mary Riffle and three brothers, Marvin, Leland and Billy Garlick. She is survived by, John Garlick of Portugal, (Clayton Hersom). As well as two sons, Shane Dunning, (Julia), Shawn Dunning, (Heather), and two daughters, Shawnee Barnett, (David) and JoJo Duff (Sean). She also leaves behind two nieces, Dorothy Gremaux and Jessica Riffle Coffin and two nephews, Marty Garlick and Albert Garlick. Her beloved grandchildren Shy Anne, Savannah, and Dalton (Shawnee), Abigail, Bridger, Isabella, and Landon (JoJo) and her great grandchildren Dex, Paridyse, and King (Shy Anne & Brandon), Deziree (Savannah & Nate), Ellie, Adelynn, Trent Jr., and Hayden (Abigail & Trent), and August (Bridger & Jayme) were her pride and joy. Her final years were all about family, trying to be the glue that holds the family together. Sometimes being successful other times not so much. But the one thing that was so clear to her entire family was to love one another, no matter how imperfect that love might be. This lesson she left us is one of value and we will miss her tremendously

The Cloyd Funeral Home is assisting the family. Condolences can be posted online at www.cloydfuneralhome.com