Patricia Louise Smedly was born June 23, 1929, to Covert and Mabel Shuler in Springfield, Colo.
She married her high school sweetheart, Howard Smedly on Sept. 4, 1949, in Del Norte, Colo.
During Pat’s busy life she enjoyed her membership in the Order of Eastern Star and service as Mother Advisor for Rainbow for Girls and loved her work as Founding Director of the Monte Vista Emergency Food Bank.
She also enjoyed her years of planning summer reading programs at the Carnegie Public Library in Monte Vista, volunteering in elementary school classrooms and her membership and involvement at the Monte Vista United Methodist Church.
Patricia died Jan. 5, 2021, in Grand Junction, Colo.
Howard preceded her in death, as did her sister, Betty Jayne.
Pat is survived by her sister, Shirley Ricketts, daughters Cheri VanValkenburgh (Sam) and Lynda Foster (Paul). Also by grandchildren Shaun Howell (Regina), Megan Lopez (Erik), Marcy Foster Melin (Scott), 10 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren all who will dearly miss their Nana.
A Memorial Service will be held at a later date when family and friends may gather to celebrate Patricia’s life. Those who wish may contribute to a memorial fund at the Monte Vista Emergency Food Bank, P.O. Box 844, Monte Vista, CO  81144.