Patsy Arlene Pollock

Patsy Arlene (Turner) Pollock passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on August 5, 2026. She was born on April 22, 1937 to Ernest and Clara Turner in Fruita, Colorado. Both sides of her family were early pioneers in the Fruita area and she grew up surrounded by a supportive community of family and friends. She lost her father when she was only seventeen years old and this loss would shape her into the loving person she became, always reminding the people around her how loved and cherished they were.

She was active in her high school. Pat participated in theater, served as yearbook editor, head girl, and class president. She graduated from Fruita Union High School in 1955 then spent one year at Western State College in Gunnison, Colorado, before earning her Associate’s Degree in Commerce from Mesa College in 1958.

On June 15, 1958 she married Walter Henry Pollock in Fruita, Colorado. Shortly after they moved to Mexican Hat, Utah, where they both worked for Texas Minerals Corporation. In October 1959, Pat gave birth to their first daughter, Lori. In the spring of 1960, the family returned to Fruita and Walt enrolled at Mesa College to begin his educational journey. They welcomed their son, Gary, in April 1961. His studies took the family briefly to Fort Collins while he earned his chemistry degree, before they settled in Boulder, Colorado, where they had their daughter, Lisa, in August 1965. They lived in Boulder for the remainder of their lives, raising their family and building a strong community. They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in 2023, just a few weeks before Walt passed away.

Pat spent her life caring for others. She embraced the role of homemaker while also pursuing her own career. Her first job was as a secretary at Fruita State Bank. She later found a love for working in school settings and worked at the junior high in Fruita until Gary was born. She stayed at home until Lisa was in school, then she began working at Majestic Heights Elementary School as the “lunch lady” and as a teacher’s aide. She continued in those roles at Burke Elementary until she became the head secretary. The children who knew her then still remember how she welcomed them and made them feel special. In 1983, when schools were consolidated in Boulder she moved to Boulder High as the secretary for the counseling department, where she worked until her retirement in 1993. Her favorite part of the job was connecting with students and she genuinely loved working with every age group.

Pat loved her job and found accomplishment working in school settings but she also loved how the schedule allowed her to be home with her children. She always ensured they felt loved and cared for while also having the opportunity to participate in a variety of enriching activities. Many hours each week were spent taking the kids to ballet, swim lessons, baseball practice, Campfire Girls, 4-H, and Explorer Scouts. She was an active part of the community as a Campfire Girl leader, 4-H leader, and accomplished archer who shared her love of archery by teaching it at Camp Patiya.

Pat welcomed all of her children's friends into her home and treated them to homemade treats on a regular basis, including her perfect pie crusts and Christmas cookie trays. Nobody left the Pollock household hungry. She had a special way of making everyone feel heard and important, and she developed many lifelong relationships.

Pat had an avid love for the outdoors. In her free time, she often tended to her beautiful flower garden and enjoyed hiking, camping, and traveling. Pat and Walt had many shared interests and fully embraced retirement. They both loved birding, traveling to places connected to their family history as they researched their genealogy, and taking their fifth wheel out for summer fishing trips. In the winter, they enjoyed snowbirding and visiting Pat’s brother, Don Turner, in Tucson, Arizona.

Above all, Pat loved her family and was always present in their lives. Her children remained in the Boulder area, and when they started families of their own, Pat fully embraced her role as Grandma; playing an essential part in all of her grandchildren’s lives. When she retired, she began caring for her grandchildren a few days a week. Grandma and Grandpa’s house was always the place to be. Her grandchildren knew they were loved and that love stayed with them as they grew.

Pat is survived by her daughter, Lori Hattendorf; her son, Gary Pollock; her daughter, Lisa Pellman, and son-in-law, Brad Pellman; and her three grandchildren, Melissa Rowland (Dustin), Gregory Pellman, and Jenna Flores (Claudia). She is also survived by her brother, Don Turner of Fruita, Colorado, as well as numerous well-loved nieces and nephews.

Instead of flowers, contributions may be made in Pat’s memory to TRU Community Care, supporting hospice care, or to the Hover Senior Living Community Foundation, designated for Assisted Living

A celebration of life will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Boulder, Colorado.