Patricia Anne BeDunnah

Our beautiful Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother, Patricia Anne Marie (Park) BeDunnah passed away this morning, December 8, 2023. Pat or Patty, as she was known to all her family and friends, was born on December 27, 1939, in Fort Collins, Colorado to Roscoe and Esther Park. Patty was the first child followed by three brothers and one sister.

Patty graduated from Fort Collins High School in the class of 1958. She began her adult life with the dedication and zeal that was demonstrated during her entire life by immediately joining the workforce as secretary at a firm in Denver, Colorado. Soon after, she met her future husband, Gary BeDunnah, a student at Colorado State University. They were married in a small chapel on the University's campus on January 20, 1961. It was while at the University that they began their family with the birth of Robin, the first of three daughters. Patty continued her clerical career working at a local bank until Gary graduated in 1962. After a one-year teaching contract in Lajunta Colorado, Pat, Gary and Robin moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, Gary's hometown, where his parents resided.

Pat and Gary's family life continued like many couples in the 1960's with Gary working as a teacher at John C. Fremont Junior High and Pat being a full-time mother with the birth of twin girls, Sherri and Terri, in 1964. When their daughters became of school age, Pat extended her many talents to the world of work.

Pat began her involvement in education as many mothers do by volunteering in her daughters' classrooms in elementary school. This was just the beginning of Pat's extensive and illustrious career. Beginning with her employment with the Clark County School District as a school nurse at J.C. Fremont, Pat became a front-office clerk. With her amazing work ethic, she quickly progressed to the position of Office Manager and Principal's secretary while working at several District schools including the openings of Fay Herron E.S. and Edna Hindman E.S., during the 1979's and 1980's. As Pat's experience and knowledge grew, she realized that, while her career was quite rewarding, she could help her fellow employees by working in the Clark County School District Support Staff Association. The Clark County School District Support Staff was composed of several thousand employees and Pat became an eager participant serving on many committees culminating in her election to full-time President of the nation's largest N.E.A. school support staff association. She served in this capacity for three consecutive terms until retirement in 1990. During Pat's tenure, she garnered many awards both locally and nationally: Educational Support Employee of The Year, 1989; Outstanding Service Chairperson of ESEA Legislative Committee, 1991; 1991 Cover Photo NEA Journal: ESEA Board of Directors, 1991-1996; Nevada State Education Association Outstanding Achievement Award, 1999-2000; Honored Professional, WHO's WHO in Executives and Businesses, 2000-2001.

Pat was an active, faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She used her many talents to enrich and strengthen others' testimonies with her light, faith, smile, and love of music, she touched so many people.

Upon retirement, Pat and Gary became world travelers even though Pat's health was becoming a concern. Their travels took them to nearly every state along with many foreign countries. They particularly enjoyed taking their children, grandchildren, and their families along. For over 20 years their favorite vacation place was a condo in Maui.

Pat used her leisure time in retirement as productively as she did in her business career by returning to her original love - music. She began singing with the music club in Sun City Summerlin - Las Vegas, where they now lived. She was elected President of the Music Makers, who gave concerts at the Star Bright Theater. Pat also was very involved with the community's swimming club and became its President until ill health stopped her participation.

Patricia was a Renaissance woman. She could do it all and did. There was an overriding theme in Pat's life - love. Love of family, church and people. During her entire life, she attended every event in which her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren participated. Their ballgames, recitals, school and church events gave her boundless joy. Simply put, Patricia exuded unconditional love.

Pat is survived by her husband, Gary BeDunnah and daughters Robin (Darin) Swainston, Sherri (Troy) McPherson, and Terri (Wayne) Ardesch; Her grandchildren Michael Beemer, Craig (Elizabeth) Beemer, Ashlee (Chelsea) Fuchs, Brice Castellano, Brady (Brittany) McPherson, Crystal McPherson, Jordi (Ashlie) Swainston, Bailey (Molly) Swainston, Jesse (Emma) Swainston, Hannah (Trevor) Montgomery, and 9 great-grandchildren.

Services will be at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Building on 7401 Smoke Ranch Rd at

9:00 a.m. viewing and 10 a.m. funeral service, Monday, December 18, 2023. She will be interred at Palm Mortuary.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmnorthwest.com for the BeDunnah family.