Patricia Ann (Gerhart) Maly, 85, of Austin, Minnesota, died Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2018, at Wildwood Grove Assisted Living in Leroy, Minnesota.

Patricia was born on April 10, 1933, in Austin to Edward Sr. and Beatrice (Clark) Gerhart. She attended Queen of Angels and Pacelli High School. She graduated in cosmetology from Austin Area Vocational-Technical School in June 1968. Later in life, Patricia studied at the Art Institute of Minneapolis, where she completed a two-year course in glass stain/engraving/etching.

She married Loddy Maly II on Aug. 8, 1953, at Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Austin. They were married for 55 years and raised two sons, Loddy (Corky) Maly III and Daniel Maly. After the passing of her husband and her sons, she was cared for by her niece, Marie (Gerhart) Steichen of Spring Valley, Minnesota. She frequently referred to Marie as her “borrowed” daughter.

Patricia had numerous job interests. She worked as Justice of the Peace from 1964-66, was a waitress and a proofreader for the newspaper. But, “Patty” was best known for being a hairstylist for over 40 years. She owned Patty’s Beauty Boutique in Austin and enjoyed her loyal customers immensely. She also owned a gift and ceramic wholesale shop.

Patty enjoyed cooking, baking, crafts and sewing, She liked to bowl and sponsored a bowling team for 15 years. She particularly enjoyed making clothes for dolls and was most proud of the dress she designed and made for her niece’s wedding. As recently as 2017, she entered her handiwork in the Mower County Fair and received first, second and third place ribbons. She loved family vacations camping in South Dakota, a place she found beautiful and relaxing. She loved her dogs, Bootsie and Duke.

Patricia is survived by two daughters-in-law, Elizabeth Maly and Barb Maly, both of Austin; her sister, Betty Veldman of Austin; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Gerhart and Barbara Gerhart, both of Austin; two grandsons, Matthew (Heather) Maly of Lyle, Minnesota, and Christopher Maly of Owatonna, Minnesota; seven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Patricia was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Loddy Maly II; sons, Loddy Maly III and Daniel Maly; brothers, Edward Gerhart Jr. and Chester Gerhart; brother-in-law, Richard Veldman; and her beloved dog, Bootsie.

Friends and family may call from 3-4 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2018, at Mayer Funeral Home. Interment will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2018, at Grandview Cemetery with Father James Steffes officiating. A holy sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for Patricia at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, at St. Edwards Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Mower County Humane Society. Condolences may be left online at www.mayerfh.com.