

Born on August 2, 1960, in Wilcox, Arizona, Patti was the middle daughter of Karen and Dan Williams. Her early life was shaped by adventure and resilience, moving often due to her father’s work with the U.S. Forest Service. From Albuquerque to Tallahassee, Lufkin to Denver, then Oregon and back again, Patti’s journey across the country instilled in her a deep appreciation for home, family, and the natural world. All that moving bonded the Williams family, transforming each new place into a shared memory. They became a close-knit unit full of love, laughter, and curiosity—a spirit Patti carried with her throughout her life. In 1981, she settled in Lakewood, Colorado, a place that became not just her home, but her anchor.
Patti worked as an accountant for the federal government, where she was known for her dedication, integrity, and gentle humor. She formed many lifelong friendships there—kindred spirits drawn to her warm and steady presence.
But the role she cherished most was being a mom. In her own words, “The best job I ever had is being a mom. I’ve always felt like my daughters were gifts from heaven above.” Despite the challenges of being a single parent, Patti created a joyful, playful, and loving home with her daughters Nichole and Rachelle: sledding in the winter, camping in the summer, and trick-or-treating farther than they wanted—just to be sure they had enough candy. She loved fiercely and lived fully alongside her girls, and considered her “promotion to grandma” one of life’s greatest honors.
Patti was a proud and adoring grandmother to Hayden (20), Jade (19), Harper (8), Kaya (6), Sage (3), and Morgan (3), each of whom brought her endless joy, laughter, and pride.
She found delight in life’s simple pleasures: cabin camping in her favorite places like the Poudre Canyon and Grand Mesa, crafting intricate diamond art, taking walks at Stonehouse Park, and shopping (whether in stores, online, or flipping through catalogs). She adored her dog, Kodi, who was always by her side and brought her endless comfort and companionship. Kodi will continue to be loved and cared for by Rachelle and her family. Patti found peace in the flutter of hummingbirds and the cheerful bloom of purple pansies. Her favorite color, purple, showed up everywhere in her life—from cozy clothes to garden blossoms. It was a color that brought her joy, and a color that now brings joy to those who remember her.
She was known for her kindness, her gentle spirit, and her easy laughter—slow to anger, quick to love. Patti brought light wherever she went. Her community stretched far and wide, filled with those touched by her warmth and sincerity.
One of her favorite children’s stories, Ferdinand the Bull , was one she loved as a child and later shared with her grandchildren. She admired how Ferdinand did his own thing and found joy sitting peacefully, smelling the flowers. In many ways, Patti was like Ferdinand—quietly strong, unapologetically herself, and happiest when surrounded by simple beauty and the people she loved.
She is survived by her daughters and their families, who were the center of her universe: Nichole Torres (husband Will; children Kaya and Sage, and former spouse Henry; children Hayden and Jade), and Rachelle Stubby (husband Tory; children Harper and Morgan).
Patti also leaves behind her beloved sisters, who shared a lifetime of memories with her: Bobbi Muhovich (husband Jon), and their sons Tony (wife Amanda) and Tim (wife Derrian; children Zayla and Nicholas); Sandi Swayne (husband Jesse), and their sons Jerrick (wife Melissa “Mel”; daughter Lexi) and Josh (children Kason and Dilyn).
She was preceded in death by her parents, Karen and Dan Williams, who were not only her mom and dad but her best friends. They were her greatest supporters and closest companions through every chapter of her life.
A celebration of Patti’s life will be held on May 3, 2025, from 10:00–11:00 a.m. at Our Saviour’s Church (1975 S Garrison St, Lakewood, CO 80227). The service is open to all friends, family, and anyone whose life she touched.
Donations may be made in Patti’s honor to help fulfill her final wish of placing a memorial bench at Stonehouse Park in Lakewood (pending availability). Contributions can be sent by mail (1232 S. Fenton St, Lakewood, CO 80232) or via Venmo (@Rachelle-Stubby-1).
To share memories, stories, or photos, or to sign the online guestbook, please visit the memorial page https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/12345837.
Patti’s legacy lives on in the laughter of her grandchildren, the love of her daughters, the spirit of her community, and the quiet, powerful imprint she left on all who knew her. She was, and always will be, deeply loved.
DONATIONS
Bench Donation1232 S Fenton St, Lakewood, Colorado 80232
SHARE OBITUARYSHARE
v.1.18.0