PATRICIA LOUISE WELLS

Our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother passed away peacefully on May 29, 2012 in Richland, Washington. She is survived by her son Mike Linda Terry, daughter Melody Dave Carruthers, daughter Karin Rick Wells, and son Ken Michele Wells; grandchildren Stuart Smith, Rebecca Salvador, Caryl Terry, Kristin Terry, Jackie Wells, and Jonathan Wells; great-grandchildren Gabrielle Huebner, Trinity Walker, Chloe Smith, Trevor Kidd, Bradley Geobels, and Kendall Smith; and her great-great-grandchild Mason Huebner. Pat was born June 18, 1928 in Lewistown, Montana to Oscar and Maude Thompson. During her childhood, she and her sister Stella lived in several small towns in Montana, Kansas, and Wyoming where her father was working for Continental Oil as aDrilling Superintendent. She graduated from Manville High School in Wyoming at age 16. She raised her oldest children in Casper, Wyoming and her youngest children in Rapid City, South Dakota.
Pat was the Accounting Director at the Rapid City Area - Chamber of Commerce for 21 years. When she retired at age 65, she embarked on two great adventures. She went on an Alaska Cruise and became close friends with Betty Smith from New Zealand. Later she went to New Zealand to see Betty. She often spoke about her travels and displayed many souvenirs in her home. She was always supportive of her entire family and interested in their accomplishments. In 2008, Pat enjoyed having the entire family in Richland to celebrate her 80th birthday and watching the slideshow that celebrated her life. Pat also kept in touch with several close friends in Rapid City, who were very important to her. The family wishes to thank Dr. Deray and his staff at the Kadlec Senior Clinic, the physicians and staff at Kadlec Medical Center, and the staff at Wynwood Assisted Living Facility for the compassionate care they provided to Pat. Funeral services will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, June 2, 2012 at Memories at Sunset Event Center located at 915 Bypass Highway in Richland.