Sheila Youngblood, age 80, of Butte, Montana

Sheila Pataky Youngblood died on Monday, February 13, 2023 in the memory care unit of The Springs at Butte after a brutal bout with dementia. A long-time Butte resident, Sheila, the daughter of Charlotte (Hammerberg) Pataky and Francis J. Pataky and twin sister of Jane Pataky Henderson, was born in Bridgeport CT on February 16, 1942.

After graduating from Darien (CT) High School in 1960, Sheila matriculated at Elmira College, was elected freshman class president, majored in education and psychology, completing her undergraduate degree in 1964. While in college, Sheila spent a summer in Denmark as a participant in the Experiment in International Living. This program—which she would continue to serve for many years as a counselor and trainer—inspired her pioneering zest and provided a foundation for subsequent formative commitments in education, cultural engagement, and outdoor life. Sheila moved west in 1968, first to Salt Lake City, and then in 1977, to Butte, taking up an appointment to teach at the Emerson School. During Sheila’s 23 year tenure in the Butte schools, she became an accomplished and respected educator in the gifted and talented and future problem solving programs at the three schools where she worked. Her teaching was characterized by innovative pedagogy, the search for practical applications and a concern for gender equity. She was recognized as a Montana state-wide leader, and called upon to train teacher colleagues across the state in gifted and talented program instruction. Always a learner, Sheila completed her masters in education degree in 1996.

After retiring in 2000, Sheila devoted substantial time and energy to the Big Hole River Foundation and to the Mother Lode Theater, serving more than 20 years as a board officer and patron of both organizations. She also served a term on the Butte-Silver Bow Planning Commission, and volunteered regularly at the Butte Silver Bow Archives.

At the time of her 50th reunion of her Darien High School class, Sheila expressed gratitude for the opportunities living in the west provided for the exploration and
enjoyment of outdoor learning and recreation, especially fly fishing and hiking. Throughout her life, she maintained strong connections with many friends in the east, and in many other time zones. Sheila was a Butte transplant with a wide-ranging root system. She is survived by her son, Wallace J. Nichols; granddaughters, Grayce and Julia Nichols; her twin sister, Jane Henderson; her nephew, Andrew Henderson; and her niece, Kirsten Sanchirico.

A memorial gathering will be held at noon Sunday July 16, 2023 at the Divide Access on the Big Hole River. Contributions in Sheila’s memory can be made to the Big Hole River Foundation, PO Box 176, Divide, MT 59727.ngblood, age 80, passed away on February 13, 2023 in Butte, Montana. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Sheila.

Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Sheila and her family.