Patricia Ann Larson

Born September 21, 1937 to Everett and Estella Smith in Westwood, California. Patty passed away in Auburn, California on December 30, 2014 at the age of 77. Preceded in death by her husband of 60 years and the love of her life, Lary, and survived by daughter Lynn Owen (Ed), son Mike Larson (Janet), and grandchildren Chris Owen (Nicole), Scott Owen (Melissa), Andrea Larson, Kyle Larson (Katelyn), Cedric Owen, Tristan Owen, Nathan Owen, Aidan Owen, Peyton Owen, and Owen Larson. Patty spent her early years in the northeastern California town of Westwood with her parents and five other siblings, before the family eventually settled in Herlong, home of the Sierra Army Depot. Since there was no high school in Herlong until her senior year, Patty first attended Lassen High School in Susanville 35 miles away. In 1955 Patty became a member of the first graduating class of Herlong High School. After graduation, Patty worked at the elementary school and was secretary to the principal. In 1960 Patty moved with Lary, Lynn, and Mike to Sacramento, where she began a long career with the State of California. During the span of her career she was a secretary to the Chief Deputy Director of Food and Agriculture, an Administrative Analyst, and Program Manager. She was highly admired and respected throughout her long career. Patty retired in 1988 at the age of 51 and began a long and wonderful retired life. By that time Patty and Lary were living in Alta, California, enjoying their time together in a house Lary built himself. Turning into post retirement snowbirds, Patty and Lary purchased property in Yuma, Arizona where they spent winters, while continuing to live summers in Alta. In 2005 they sold their houses in Alta and Yuma, and moved permanently into a new home in Bullhead City, Arizona. Recently Patty and Lary expressed a desire to move back to Northern California to be near family, and they were able to do that before both passed. Patty was known for her attention to detail and her organizational skills, and as a people person who enjoyed get-togethers of family and friends. She was a giving and compassionate person, befriending and helping strangers in need. She was a caring and loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Patty enjoyed her pets, boating and water skiing, camping, fishing, travelling, cooking, and a nightly glass of wine. She was also fond of occasionally visiting a casino, which she usually left being ahead of the game after playing a little nickel poker. She was a talented seamstress, sewing designer quality clothes for Lynn and suits for herself. Patty’s beautiful smile, pleasant personality, sense of humor, intelligence, and role model qualities will be missed by those lucky enough to have known and loved her. She will be in our hearts and memories forever. Per her request, no services will be held. Any contributions can be made to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.