Patricia Carr

Patricia "Patty" Carr, age 78, of Spearfish formerly of Philip, South Dakota, died on Sunday, March 1, 2020 at Monument Health Hospital in Rapid City after a brief illness.
Patricia Jo, better known as "Patty Jo", was born on August 15, 1941, to Millard and Alice (Knutson) Carr. She was born and raised in Philip, South Dakota. During her high school years she was extremely active in a multitude of activities, including band, choir, cheerleading, piano accompanist, class plays, Luther League, working at the local movie theater, and a number of other extra-curricular activities. She had many friends and enjoyed singing and performing with her younger sister, Judie.
Patty was an accomplished pianist and enjoyed playing for church on Sundays and teaching private lessons. She loved music more than anything and frequently lamented that would have liked to have been a music teacher. She taught her children and grandchildren to play the piano, as her greatest gift to share.
Patty is survived by her brother Marshall (Taci) Carr of Faith, South Dakota. She also had three children, Toni Long of Rapid City, Ross (Sarah) Johnson of Sugar Grove, Illinois, and Traci (Justin) Baker of Spearfish. She also had six grandsons, one granddaughter, four great-grandsons, and three great-granddaughters. She loved her family unconditionally and gave selflessly. Holidays were always brightened with her gregarious presence. She was always the Happy Birthday lead singer for every birthday.
Patricia worked several different jobs over the years. She enjoyed people immensely and the jobs she enjoyed the most were the ones that allowed her to interact with people from all walks of life and all over the world. Her two favorite jobs were as campground manager in Spearfish Canyon, and as front desk for Motel 6. All of her customers loved chatting with her as much as she enjoyed learning about them and where they came from.
In her later years, she became an avid bird watcher and enjoyed spending time in the Black Hills of South Dakota, especially Spearfish Canyon. She was also fortunate to travel to Alaska, Arizona, and Yellowstone National Park. She had three cats that provided her with great entertainment and companionship.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister Judie Gittings.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, at the First Lutheran Church in Philip with Pastor Cindy Bisser officiating.
Interment will follow at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.
Arrangements are with Rush Funeral Home of Philip.