Patricia Johnson Fawcett

Patricia Johnson Fawcett, known as "Pat" to everyone who knew and loved her, died peacefully at her Snowflake, Arizona home, following a lengthy illness, on Monday, May 24, 2010 with her husband of 45 years, holding her hand. She was 64 years old. Pat was born the "caboose" of 10 children on Mother's Day, May 12, 1946 in McNary, Arizona to the late Anthon Louis and Willa Mae (Ferris) Johnson. She immediately became the apple of her family's eye, bringing them years and years of joy as the "baby" of their family. When she was born, WWII was just over and her family was very poor. Her father was an extremely hard worker and found ranching and construction work; many times away from his family. While he was away making a living for them, they missed him terribly. At the tender age of 4, Pat moved to Woodruff, Arizona, as her father found a steady job working as a carpenter for the Turley Brothers. When she was a little girl, then as a young woman and even until her passing, Pat enjoyed all the holidays; especially Christmas, which was her absolute favorite holiday, for all of the obvious reasons...her family! As a little girl growing up in Woodruff, Pat had lots of fun and she pretty much ran "free". She and her friends would make necklaces out of cottonwood tree buds from a large cottonwood tree where they had their very own tree house. She enjoyed the summers running around barefoot and floating down the ditch in #3 tubs. She became involved with the 4-H program, and excelled in sewing. She loved dancing, as "it was a way of her family life" and everyone said she was "quite good at dancing". Pat was really a tomboy at heart and passed much of her youth by riding bikes, roller skating, playing King Base, Stink Base, Kick the Can and Hopscotch. With Sunday being the Sabbath, her activities were limited to milder indoor pastimes; making candy, popcorn, parched corn, ice-cream and playing a good game of cards. In elementary school, with her mother being a certified teacher, Pat had the privilege of being taught the second, third and fourth grades by her. She loved having her mother as her teacher. At Holbrook Jr. High School she made excellent grades and served as its class treasurer. Throughout her Holbrook High School years, Pat continued to excel in her school work and usually was on the school's Honor Roll. During her freshman year of high school, Pat's mother was diagnosed with cancer and the next 2 years proved to be trying times for Pat. However, Pat continued to work hard with her studies and as a sophomore she won the "Make It With Wool" contest in Home Economics II, where she competed with the upperclass junior and senior girls. It was during her Junior year of high school that Pat's dear mother, Willa Mae died. That truly was one of the hardest days of Pat's life. As a Senior, Pat graduated from Snowflake High School, where she was welcomed with open arms. She received several awards for her academic prowess and really enjoyed it there. Following high school, Pat completed her education at the Durham Business College in Phoenix where she received administrative and office skills that helped her throughout the rest of her working life. During Pat's life, she really didn't have that many jobs but, wherever she worked, she gave it her all! When she was 15 years old, she began working at the Holbrook Bakery. The next summer she worked at the A&W, then she worked for the Sheriff's Office. She worked for Motorola, in Phoenix, for about 6 months following her marriage and then was the bookkeeper for Dutch Boyse at Holbrook Tire. Later, as her family started to grow, Pat worked for Doctor Lothman, where she remained for 10 years. Following her time with Dr. Lothman, she began a 26 year career working for Owens Mortuary as a devoted secretary for Earl and Kelly Owens. She quickly became a familiar and friendly face to everyone she met. Following the Owens' retirement she continued as the office manager for another 3 years at Owens Livingston Mortuary - Heritage Chapel in Snowflake, where her new boss appreciated EVERYTHING she did. Due to declining health Pat needed to retire so she could take care of herself and quite honestly, left a void at the mortuary, that was hard to fill. Pat married the love of her life, Gary Lorn Fawcett on November 12, 1965 at the Woodruff Chapel of the LDS Church. Their marriage was later solemnized as they were sealed to each other, for "time and all eternity" in the Manti Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was one of the happiest days of her life! She was an active member of The Church and, over the years, willingly and faithfully served in dozens of callings. Pat was an excellent quilter, enjoyed sewing and could can just about anything that Gary grew in their beautiful gardens. However, her greatest joys came from being with her family. She loved attending her extended family reunions, whenever possible, as she had a very special and close relationship with each of her brothers and sisters. Pat really was thrilled to be able to watch her son, David's, Little League baseball games as he coached the little athletes. She also loved watching her grandchildren play in their various sports. Never biased in her opinions, she was the first to tell you how great they are! This dynamic woman, who served others so willingly, will truly be missed by her host of many friends. None, however, will miss her more than her own sweet family. Pat is survived by her Eternal Companion, Gary L. Fawcett of Snowflake, Arizona; her son and his wife, David L. and Lori (Van Winkle) Fawcett of Show Low, Arizona; her 5 grandchildren: Garrison D. Fawcett, Tanner L. Fawcett, Jarom V. Fawcett, Karli C. Fawcett, Cal N. Fawcett, all of Show Low; 2 sisters: Venla Lilly of Safford, Arizona, Louise McCleve (Robert) of St. George, Utah; 3 brothers: Leslie Johnson (Myrna) of Salt Lake City, Utah, Larry Dee Johnson of Snowflake, Arizona and Glen Johnson (Brenda) of Woodruff, Arizona. Along with her parents, Pat was preceded in death by her daughter, Christine Fawcett who was stillborn on November 14, 1973; 4 sisters: Leola Mendell, Fern Baldwin, June Goodman and Janice Bowler. A visitation will be held from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., Friday, May 28, 2010 at Owens Livingston Mortuary - Heritage Chapel, 84 E. 19th South in Snowflake. The funeral service will begin 10:00 A.M., Saturday, May 29, 2010 at the Snowflake Stake Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 175 W. 9th South Street in Snowflake, Arizona where an additional visitation will begin 1 hour prior to the service. The concluding service and interment will follow immediately at the Woodruff Cemetery in Woodruff, Arizona. Pat's family truly appreciates all the love shown to them through thought and deed.