Patricia A. Clausen

Patty attended Yakima schools and graduated from Yakima High in 1951. She briefly attended Yakima Valley College before beginning what would be her life-long vocation as a skilled secretary. She worked for James Shrader accounting firm where she met and later married Gerald S. Clausen. From there the family, which now also included her daughter Capri, moved to Seattle, WA where she worked in Admissions for the University of Washington and became a true Huskey fan! Jerry’s work took them to Hillsboro, OR where Patty had one of her most interesting jobs working for the Oregon Primate Center. But Yakima called and the family moved for the last time back to central Washington. It was then that she was hired to work for United Builders. She was the head secretary there and proudly served them for over 30 years. The people there were not just co-workers, they were like family, especially after Jerry’s death in 1982.

Patty was also a long time member of First Presbyterian Church and an active member of the Golden Circle Class and loved attending Koffee Klatch events. For many years she could be found taking care of the babies during the MOPS meetings.

Patty had many interests but three stood out above the rest. Her love of gardening was evident to all who walked around her beautiful yard. She also loved sports of all kinds. You could call on her any time of day and there would be a good chance she would be watching some team on TV. But without a doubt she loved watching her daughter, and later her grandchildren, play the sports she only dreamed of doing as a young girl. It didn’t matter if it was on a basketball court or soccer pitch she was there rain or shine!

Patty is survived by her daughter Capri (Jim) Fannin of Yakima and their children Taylor and Parker, step-daughter Kathy Clausen (Mark Snelson) of Indianapolis, IN and their children Laurel (Damion) of Australia and Alec of Bloomington, IN. She is preceded in death by her parents and brother Ed Merriam as well as husband Gerald Clausen.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, December 16, 2011 at Keith and Keith Funeral Home. Graveside service will be 11:30 a.m., Saturday, December 17th at Terrace Heights Memorial Park. A Memorial Celebrating her life will follow at 2:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her honor may be made to the Deacons Fund c/o

First Presbyterian Church. To share a memory of Patricia visit www.keithandkeith.com.

The Fannin family would like to thank the staff at Good Samaritan for their recent care of mom. Also to the staff at DaVita Dialysis for their long-term care for mom over the past many years. We are so grateful to you all!

Arrangements under the direction of Keith & Keith Funeral Home, Yakima, WA.