Patricia and I became acquainted late in our lives. She and I both love to read and found it natural to enjoy belonging to our LDS Ward's Book Group. She didn't have a lot to say in discussion, but when she spoke her remarks mirrored careful thought and insightful comments. I loved listening to her. Her own book reviews were well thought-out and prepared with care. I missed seing her at the last couple of reviews we had, but she watched from home on Zoom and when we always asked her what her thoughts were before the meeting closed, she had something to say that was worth listening to.
It was a while before I knew who it was that brought the beautiful flower arrangement to Church each week. Most often fresh flowers--I'm sure from her own garden or someone elses, or maybe she purchased flowers. Sometimes when there was too much snow on the ground her arrangements were of artificial flowers that looked so real one could hardly tell them from the fresh bouquets she brought. I don't believe anyone assigned her to make these flower arrangements--I think this was an unsolicited service she chose to give that made the atmosphere of the meetings in the chapel (and yes, she carried the arrangements into the Relief Society room for the women to enjoy there) more pleasant. Her faithfulness in providing something every week until those last few weeks when she stayed at home was commendable. I lovecd watching her carry the flowers each week and set them in the place where they would look the best and bless the lives of the most people.
I know Patricia surely lived a life full of service with contributions on many fronts. I can tell this because of what I saw in her later years. A true example of living the major principles of the gospel including #5--Enduring to the End. That she did--so well.
With sincere love and appreciation for her life.
Diane S. Matthews
