Patricia E. Fleck

Patricia Eva (Hancock) Fleck, 68, of Rio Rico, AZ passed away on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at her sister's home in Billings, MT.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at American Lutheran Church in Billings. Burial will be at a later date.

Patty was born in Plentywood, MT on July 12, 1957 to Bryce E. and Doris (Boe) Hancock. She joined two brothers and a sister at home in Medicine Lake. She was baptized and confirmed at Medicine Lake Lutheran Church. Patty attended all 12 grades at Medicine Lake School graduating in 1975. She graduated from the University of Montana in 1979. Patty taught Home Economics in Medicine Lake, St Ignatius, Shelby and Fairfield. She also worked for a short while at Hart Albin in Billings.

On August 5, 1989 Patty and Doug Fleck were married in Couer d'Alene, ID. They made their home in Fort Shaw, MT until moving to Arizona in 2005. Doug passed away in 2014.

Patty lived over 40 years with progressive rheumatoid arthritis. Although she had several surgeries and eventually relied on a walker and later a power wheelchair, she didn't complain and was always concerned about the health and happiness of her family.

Patty had a wonderful flair for style, always wearing beautiful jewelry to accent her outfits. She enjoyed sewing, crafting and decorating her home with unique handcrafted treasures made by desert artists and antique glassware. She loved feeding hummingbirds and spotting the beautiful red cardinals in Arizona. Patty was an avid sports fan and faithfully followed her nieces and nephews sporting events via newspaper scores, online streaming and in person when she was able. She loved to follow all sports on tv, especially the Grizzlies of the University of Montana and the University of Arizona Wildcats. She was a member of Desert Hills Lutheran Church in Green Valley, AZ. Patty stayed in her home in Rio Rico with her beloved cat, Carmi, until failing health brought her back to Bev's home in Montana.

Patty is survived by her brothers, Bryce Jr(MarShele), Jay (Susan), her sister Beverly and several special nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, two nephews, Blaine and Christopher, her in-laws, and two brothers-in-law, Keith and Robert.