Patricia Ann Sturgeon

Patricia Ann Sturgeon, lovingly known as Patty Ann, passed away on January 7, 2026, at the age of 96, following a short illness. A lifelong resident of Visalia, Ca, Patricia lived a vibrant life marked by talent, resilience, and deep devotion to her family.

Born Patricia Ann Clore on June 15, 1929, in Visalia to James and Jesse Wilder Clore, she showed a natural gift for performance from an early age. Fascinated by dance and acrobatics, she entertained family with dance routines as a child, sparking a lifelong love of the stage.

While visiting an aunt in Hollywood in the mid-1930s, she took Patty Ann to audition for ‘Our Gang’ and Pat met Shirley Temple backstage and also watched part of the filming of Shirley in, ‘The Little Colonel’, with the iconic dance on the staircase. Inspired, Pat continued performing, later winning local talent contests, appearing at the Fox Theater, and touring with an entertainment group throughout the valley during the 1940s.

In 1948, Patricia married John Leach, with whom she raised four children. Their first child was stillborn in 1950, followed by Johnny, Randal, Cindy, and Larry. A devoted mother, she balanced family life with community involvement when she joined a sorority club, a bowling team, and work at the Title company and later serving as a touring counselor for the Auto Club. The couple enjoyed family gatherings and over 20 years of marriage, creating lasting memories for their children, before divorcing.

Patricia married Harry Ritchie in 1973, and they shared 25 years together until his passing in 1998. Patricia later accepted Jesus Christ as her personal savior and was baptized at the Gateway Baptist church. In 2009 she reunited with her high school sweetheart, Dick Sturgeon, and they were married on May 29, 2010. They enjoyed nearly eight years together until Dick’s passing on New Years Eve 2017.

Patricia lived near family and later at Walnut Park Retirement Community, where she made many new friends. She eventually returned to the family home to live with her son Johnny and daughter-in-law Donna, before she passed away.

Patricia was preceded in death by both her parents; brothers James Clore II and Leland Clore; husbands John Leach Sr., Harry Ritchie, Dick Sturgeon; and her firstborn son.

She is survived by her children Johnny Leach (Donna), Randal Leach, Cynthia Leach (partner Liz), and Larry Leach; grandchildren Craig Meyer, Kenneth Leach (Monique), Courtney Leach Balderas (Christopher), and Lindsey Leach Stark (Jacob); and eight great-grandchildren, with two more expected.

Patricia was the star of her family-radiant, spirited, and deeply loved. Her joy for life and passion for performance will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be dearly missed.