Patricia Ann Willard, long time Douglas County resident, returned to her Father in Heaven April 16, 2009 after a valiant battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her loving family in her son's home in La Grange, Ky. She was 71.
Patricia was preceded in death by her parents Harry and Dorothy Atchison, and daughter Susan. She is survived by her sister Phyllis Pedrojetti of Gardnerville, her brothers Donald Atchison of Yerington and Dennis Atchison of Smith Valley. Patricia was loving mother to her son, Russell Willard of La Grange, Ky., her daughter Peggy Willard-Ross and son Clifford Sorensen, both of Carson City. Patricia was Grandma to Kelly Porter, Ryan and James Willard, Harold Willard, Amy Sorensen, Ashley Russell and Joseph Shura. Many called her Great Grandma and many more knew her as Aunt Pat.
Patricia, a 1955 graduate of Douglas High School grew up in the Carson Valley, and lived many years in Genoa. Pat served her community with pride as she sat on the town's board in multiple capacities, including Town and Candy Dance Chairwoman.
Patricia actively participated in the VFW Auxiliary where she served in various leadership positions for 22 years, often found visiting veterans in the local nursing homes and placing flags and flowers on gravesites.
Patricia kept herself busy working in and out of the home. She worked at the Continental Telephone Company and retired from the Carson Valley Inn in 2005. Her favorite job was taking care of children in her home. All who entered Patricia's home became family. Pat was known and loved by many and will be missed by all. We love you Grandma Pat!
Funeral Services will be 3:30 p.m., Sunday at Walton's Chapel of the Valley in Carson City. Private family burial will be in the Genoa Cemetery at a later date.