Patricia Porter, age 54, of Mahnomen, MN, died on Monday, May 22, 2023, at Essentia Health in Fargo, ND.

Patricia Jo, the daughter of Fred and Adeline (Gamble) Porter, was born on March 3, 1969, in Minneapolis, MN.  She was lovingly given the Tlingit native name, Yeidichkhulatseen. As a young girl, Patty moved often with her family following her mother's employment with the BIA.  She attended boarding school in Flandreau, SD, later graduating from Flandreau Indian School with the class of 1988.  Patty made her home on the White Earth Reservation and soon met Michael Keezer.  Patty and Michael built a life together which they shared for over 30 years.  The couple was blessed with three children: Tamara, Patrick, and Katie, whom were Patricia's true joys.  Patty Jo was employed with the White Earth Nation working several years in the Vocational Rehab program.  She also worked as lead in housekeeping for the Shooting Star Casino for a time. Patricia furthered her education and proudly graduated from the White Earth Tribal College, alongside of her daughter, Tamara, in 2017.  Although she battled with progressive health issues, Patty Jo spent the remainder of her career working with White Earth Behavioral Health and was recently transferred to assist the Homeless Program.   Her compassion for others was evident in all areas of her life.  Patty Jo generously lent a helping hand to family, friends, and stranger alike.  She always made her knowledge, her resources, her hands, and her heart available to those in need.

Anyone that knew Patty, also knew she liked to test her luck at the casino and with scratch off tickets.  Scoring a good deal while shopping or at a rummage sale was also a win.  She took pride in her home, keeping it tidy and mowing her yard.    Patty Jo treasured her past trip to visit family in Alaska and was looking forward to more travels there next fall.  Family gatherings were among her favorite times.  She was Grandma to many children and cherished them all.  Her love for family and friends will be forever remembered.

Patricia is survived by the love of her life, Michael Keezer of Mahnomen; children: Tamara (Jordan) Porter, Patrick (Mickensy) Porter, and Katie Porter-Keezer, all of Mahnomen; one sister, Tracey (Russ) Porter also of Mahnomen; and five grandchildren: Zaiden, Prestyn, Peyton, Andre, and Luna, plus one more arriving soon; as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Raymond "Choo-Choo" and Fred; one sister, Deanna; and her uncle Wannie.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, from 5:00 - 7:00 pm at the Anderson Family Funeral Home in Mahnomen.  Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, June 1, 2023, at Samuel Memorial Episcopal Church in Naytahwaush, MN. Burial will be held in Pine Bend Cemetery, rural Lengby, MN.