On August 3. 2003 Anita was freed from her long and arduous battle with cancer.  She died on August 3, 2003 at St. Vincent Healthcare in Billings.  Anita Jean Patterson was born on July 8, 1948 to  Walter and Goldie (Ames) Patterson in Hardin.  She grew up on the family ranch at Lodge Grass.  The family moved to Billings in 1962.  She then attended schools in Billings and graduated from Senior in 1966.  Anita worked for the K-Mart Stores in Billings, Bozeman and Everett WA as a sporting goods manager.  She also manged several convenience stores in the Bozeman/Belgrade and Hardin areas.  While working for K-Mart Anita met and fell in love with Harvey Lee Dalton.  THey were married on October 25,1974 in Idaho Falls.  After living in Belgrade for many years they moved back to the ranch at Lodge Grass in 1982.  After living in Lodge Grass and then Hardin, they moved to Decker in 1992.  Anita then worked for Scool District #1 and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks in Decker and Big Horn Elementary in Big Horn WY as a techer's aid.  She retired in 2000.  Anita loved working and sharing her knowledge with children.  This passing was equaled by her love of raising and showing Collie dogs.  She formed Pondersoa Collies where she bred and raised Collies for 35 years.  She also loved animals in gneral and was fond of raising Holstein cows and expecially her pet bull Gus.  She had a wonderful green thumb and was magic at raising plants in her home.  Anita excelled at everything she put her hand to .  She had an amazing passion for family and life living it to the fullest.  She was the best wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend.  Goodbye, Anita.  We love you and miss you.  Survivors include her busband Harvey of Decker, two daughters, Charlene (Randee) Follmer of Billings and Taryn Dalton of Decker; one granddaughter Brandi J Foller of Sheriday WY ; five brothers, Gary Patterson of Billings. Cory (Sandee) Patterson of Wewika OK; Kevin (Teri) Patterson of Belgrade; two sisters Jenean (Buss Feeley) Patterson of Billings and Sharron (Randy) Wolfe of Billings.  She is also survived by her lifelong friend and confidante Carol Anderson Roth of Decker.  In Addition she is survived by numerous aunts, uncles, nephers, grandnephews, nieces, grandneices and cousins.  Anita was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents.