Patricia “Pat” Adams passed away August 18 after a remarkable and well-lived 101 years. She leaves behind a legacy of family, faith, education, adventure, and countless memories shared with the people she loved.
Pat was born June 11, 1925, at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Billings, Montana, to Gerald and Evelyn (Dotterwick) Early. Her brother, Sonny, joined the family four and a half years later. Pat grew up in Laurel and graduated from Laurel High School in 1942. During her high school years, she and her best friend, Viola (Gross) O’Connor, wrote the Laurel High School fight song in the early 1940s.
After high school, Pat attended Montana State College in Bozeman, graduating in just three years. She went on to complete an internship at St. Luke’s Hospital in Spokane, Washington, to become a Medical Technologist. Her first position was in Yakima, Washington, beginning a career in science and medicine that reflected her intelligence, determination, and love of learning.
On April 15, 1952, Pat married Jake Adams in Laurel. Jake was one of the “49ers” who helped start the Continental Oil Refinery, now Phillips 66. Together they built a family and raised two children, Mary Kay and William (Bill).
Pat later returned to college at Eastern Montana College, now MSU Billings, where she earned her teaching degree. She spent many years teaching at Miles Avenue Elementary School and Highland Elementary School in Billings. Her dedication to education touched the lives of many children and families.
Pat and Jake created some of their happiest memories at the cabin they built on Hebgen Lake. There, they spent many wonderful years with family, fishing, hunting, and searching the area for grizzly bears. They also enjoyed traveling with friends, including many memorable trips to Las Vegas and Wendover.
Family was at the center of Pat’s life. She was a devoted mother and grandmother who treasured the time she spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was especially proud of her family and loved watching the lives of those around her unfold. One of the simple joys she shared with her great-grandchildren was her love of Snickers bars. She always made sure to have an extra Snickers bar waiting to share with each of them when they came to visit, creating a sweet tradition and special memories they will always cherish.
Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Gerald and Evelyn Early; her brother, Sonny, who died in a car accident while a student at Montana State College; and her daughter, Mary Kay Kimmet.
She is survived by her son, Bill (Liz); son-in-law, Pat Kimmet; grandchildren Scott Kimmet, Matthew Kimmet (Cindy), and Lisa Kelley (Kurt); and great-grandchildren Roy, Lea, Luke, Jake, Charlotte, Kyler, and Cameron.
Pat was a longtime member of St. Pius X Church in Billings. The family extends special gratitude to the staff at Westpark Village, who cared for Pat with kindness and compassion for many years.
At Pat’s request, cremation has taken place. A graveside memorial will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be made to St. Pius X Church.

Pat lived a long and meaningful life, filled with family, friendship, learning, teaching, travel, faith, and adventure. Her warmth, strength, and love for her family will remain part of the many memories she leaves behind.