Patricia M Ritts

Patricia (Pat) Marie Ritts, a lifetime Pacific NorthWest resident, died peacefully on July 19, 2023. Her earthly arrival on September 6, 1943, brought much joy to the McCormick home after the loss of young daughter Kathleen (Kay). The next year, parents, Roy and Temple, welcomed a final daughter, Sharon. While in grade school, the girls were gifted Donna, a neighboring 'sister' of kindred spirit. Born and raised in Seattle, Patty graduated from Lincoln High School in 1960.

She then enrolled in Cabrini School of Nursing to follow her calling and emerged as a registered nurse in the class of '64. Bob Baird had been dating her prior to graduation, and in 1965, the burgeoning couple tied the knot. Two subsequent marriages each produced one child. Daughter Denea with Robert Hawkins and son Darren with Clifford Ritts. Her move to Marysville in 1985 began a love affair with the 5 acres she and her family cleared and made into a lovely plot frequented by wildlife. As a surgical nurse, her last big move came as an employee of Providence Hospital, which later merged and became the Providence Regional Medical Center, Everett. Pat's career culmination was celebrated in 2010 with a bucket list dream of a hot air balloon flight over rural Snohomish.

Her life of service continued through participation at the Stillaquamish Senior Center, Unity Center for Positive Living, the Assistance League of Everett and it's Operation School Bell program, and the local Red Hat Society chapter, Jewels of Elan. Countless hours were volunteered between church, food banks, thrift stores, providing homeless individuals with necessities, donating blood, manning the Smokey Point rest stop, and more. She delighted in children, as a penpal through Lakewood schools, by assisting Snohomish County students in need of new clothing, supporting Marysville's Schoolhouse Cafe, and collecting items for Toys for Tots, just to name a few. Her caring and generosity were also evident through the dozens of various non-profit organizations she contributed to.

Attending live performances and traveling the country with friends and family were thoroughly enjoyed, even more so if trains were involved. The allures of Hawaii were irresistible as they drew her back time and time again. Her amateur photography interest bloomed resulting in numerous snapshots of the beauty that surrounded her.

Deeply compassionate, Pat's door was always open, and into which some fortunate felines found refuge. Her beloved furry companion Lola now resides with Denea. The endearing symbols of light houses, hot air balloons, covered bridges, humming birds, butterflies, and lady bugs signified growth, resilience, and the path forward.

Patricia is in the ethereal embrace of her parents, Temple and Roy, sister Kay, grandson Ronnie Jr., former husband Robert, and brother-in-law Frank. She is survived by sister Sharon, Daughter Denea, son Darren, grandson Randy, 'grandson' Calcifer, granddaughter Brianne, great granddaughter Dahlia, former husband Bob, niece Pauline (with Mike), and nephews Matthew (with Zoë) and Thomas (with Tamara, and their son Paul).

She committed her life and was baptised as a young woman. Her light and love touched more lives than she ever could have imagined. We will miss Patricia very much and hold her forever in our hearts