Patricia Kay Peterson Thorley, 67, passed away on January 25th of respiratory complications following a one-month struggle with pneumonia. At her death she was surrounded by her loving family and husband, Evan.
Patricia was born in Kemmerer, Wyoming, on March 12, 1945, and was the second of three daughters born to Kendall R. and Violet C. Peterson. She spent all of her childhood years in Kemmerer, attending grade school in nearby Diamondville. She graduated with honors (salutatorian) from Kemmerer High School in May of 1963. She attended Utah State University in Logan, Utah, as a scholarship student and majored in Elementary Education. She was an excellent student and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and the Spurs service organization. She had a beautiful singing voice and was selected as a member of the USU Madrigal Singers. While at USU, she met her husband, Evan A. Thorley, and they were married on June 21, 1968, in the Logan Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her husband’s career as a military officer, first in the USAF and again later in the U.S. Navy, resulted in frequent moves and each of their four daughters was born in a different city: Tana Kay (Whicker) was born in San Angelo, TX, Brooke Ann (Knight) was born in Annapolis, MD, Kellie Nicole (Leonard) was born in Denver, CO, and Jaime Lyn (Richwine) was born in Lander, WY. Upon her husband’s retirement, Patricia and Evan moved to Miles City, MT to be near two of their daughters (Tana and Jaime) and their grandchildren living there. Soon after their move to Miles City, the Thorleys served a one year mission for their church and worked with the Church’s education system (CES) overseeing programs for high school and college age religious instruction.
Patricia was a doting wife and mother. She dearly loved her family and especially her grandchildren, which numbered 20 at the time of her death. Throughout her lifetime she was very active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) and served in many capacities. She especially loved serving as the chorister or pianist for the youngest members of the Church. At the time of her death, she was serving as chorister for the Primary children of the Miles City Ward.
Patricia was noted for her home decoration skills, her musical talents, and her kind and loving manner. She brightened the life of everyone she met. She will be dearly missed by her family, but her family is buoyed up by knowing they will see and associate with her again. She has returned to her Father in Heaven and has rejoined her loving parents and family and friends who have preceded her in death.
She is survived by the following: husband Evan of Miles City, MT, daughter Tana and her husband Curtis of Miles City, MT, daughter Brooke and her husband Sam of Boulder, CO, daughter Kellie and her husband Shawn of Ashburn, VA, daughter Jaime and her husband Jay of Miles City, MT, by her sister Kathleen and her husband Dent of South Ogden, UT, sister Ann and her husband Larry of Bakersfield, CA, her 20 grandchildren, and by many cousins, aunts and uncles scattered throughout the U.S.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 31st starting at 11:00 a.m. at the Miles City Ward of the LDS Church, 825 S. Moorehead Ave. Viewings and family visitation will be held on Wednesday evening from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home, 1717 Main St, Miles City, and again just prior to the funeral on Thursday from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Miles City LDS Chapel. Interment will immediately follow the funeral and Patricia will be buried in nearby Custer County Cemetery. Following the interment, a luncheon at the Miles City LDS Chapel will be provided for family and out of town friends. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
The family wishes to thank all those who provided such loving and dedicated care at the Holy Rosary Hospital in Miles City and then at the Billings Clinic Hospital in Billings, MT. They also wish to thank all who have expressed their condolences and love upon the death of our beloved wife, mother, and sister, Patricia.
Service Schedule
Visitation
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday January 30, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Sreet
Miles City, MT
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday January 30, 2013
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT
Visitation
10:00 a.m. to 10:50 a.m
Thursday January 31, 2013
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
825 S. Moorehead Ave.
Miles City, MT
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday January 31, 2013
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
825 S. Moorehead Ave.
Miles City, MT
Service Schedule
Visitation
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday January 30, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Sreet
Miles City, MT
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday January 30, 2013
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT
Visitation
10:00 a.m. to 10:50 a.m
Thursday January 31, 2013
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
825 S. Moorehead Ave.
Miles City, MT
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday January 31, 2013
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
825 S. Moorehead Ave.
Miles City, MT
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Garth Sleight says
This is a devastating shock. My sincerest condolences to Evan and his family.
Denise Harvey says
Our hearts are broken for all of you! Our prayers are for comfort as you treasure memories of a beautiful and cherished soul who will be watching over you always until the day you will all be together again never to be separated.
Garth Harker says
Dear Evan and family… Christ’s love for us will heal all. We know that our time here is short before we will be with loved ones again. We pray that you will find solace in that knowledge. Patsy and I love you so much.
Michelle Olsen says
Dear Evan-
I am so sorry to hear about your wife’s sudden passing. She was always so kind and friendly.
Cheryl Brallier says
Evan, words cannot express my wishes that the holy spirit will be with you and your family at this time. Your loss is so great, but luckily, your faith and spirit are also as great and will get you all through this difficullt time.
Karen and Dave Phelps says
Evan and family,
We are so very sorry for your loss, Pat is such a lovely woman! You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Dave and Karen Phelps
Joseph Sgarlata says
Evan and family, we are so saddened for Pat’s passing so young. Her influence in seminary on our children was at such a critical time in their lives and we know her sweet and loving spirit will be missed by all of us. We send our love and prayers to all of you.
Gary & Diane Arbuckle says
Evan: Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the girls during this trying time. You’ve been in our thoughts last week, before we knew of Pat’s passing. Gratefully, we have the plan of happiness to help though these episodes in our lives. Our heavenly father will guide you through.
Lamonte and Bonnie John says
It is so hard to believe that Pat is gone from this earth. It seems like only yesterday I was visiting with the two of you in Billings. We’re so glad that you have your daughters and their families living close to you to get you through this difficult time and that all of you can give strength to each other as you mourn the loss of your sweet wife. May God’s love surround you now and in the coming days and may you find comfort in the knowledge that you will be reunited on a future day. We have cherished our relationship with both of you and send our deepest sympathies to you at this time.
Charlie & Shirley Russell says
My deepest sympathy to you Elder Thorley and your family. I am deeply sorrowful for all of you and pray for the helping hand of the Holy Ghost , our comforter during this time of your sorrow. I will always cherish the time you and Pat spent with us here, your love, support and assistance. She has truly been a seet gem to us all.
Gray and Ann Achiu says
Dear Evan,
We are so sorry for your loss. It is hard to believe that someone so vibrant is no longer here and has gone on ahead. We send you our love, our best wishes, and our testimonies that families truly can be together forever. The plan Christ gave us is such a happy one!
Our deepest sympathies,
Gray & Ann
Eloise and Bob Weidner says
Evan, we send our deepest sympathy and love to you and your family. Pat and Bob taught Seminary together and we remember her sweet spirit and wonderful sense of humor. You and your family are in our prayers. May The Lord blanket you in His love.
Bob and Eloise
John and Kim Green says
Evan, we are so sorry for your loss. Pat was and is such a wonderful person. We will have you in our prayers.
John and Kim
Gene and Sue Cranford says
Dear Brother Thorley and family ~
It is such a shock to hear of Sister Thorley’s passing. She is a wonderful lady that I admire very much. I loved working with her in Primary, she always did such fun things with the kids to learn new songs. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Gene and Sue
Garth & Danna Jones says
So sorry and shocked. Our love for you Evan and the girls. We share fond memories of our time in the 16th ward in Cedar City, Ut. Each of our kids shared special memories with yours of coresponding age. We will pass the word throughout the ward. Our love.
Paul and Linda Dunn says
Evan and family,
We were shocked and saddened when we learned that Pat passed away. She was a creative, warm and wonderful person. We are so sorry for the loss of your wife, mother, and grandmother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May Heavenly Father watch over you and bless you.
Emilie Dunn Nelson and family says
Brother Thorley and Jaime and family,
I have so many wonderful memories of Sister Thorley’s love and dedicated service as my seminary teacher! She helped me feel the spirit every day, which influenced my life for the better. We’re thinking of you all and send our love and prayers.
Fred L Whicker says
All of my family members are deeply saddened by the loss of your wonderful Wife, Mother to my daughter-in-law and Grandmother to my Grandchildren. Pat was a wonderful lady and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I know what you are going through at this time. We have shared many wonderful times as family members at weddings, sealings and other times spent just visiting. May you have the blessings and comfort that comes from our Heavenly Father during times like this. I appreciate all you do for our shared family in Miles City.
Fred L Whicker and Family
Tina Glazebrook says
Dear Brother Thorley,
ALthough I never got the chance to meet your wife, I did have the great fortune of meeting Tana and Curtis and Jaime and Jay and all the grandchildren. I know from conversations with them all that your wife was a loving generous and loved woman. I know that you will see her again soon. She was an extremely lovely looking woman and will make Heaven all that much more beautiful for her being there. Although the sadness is there now the rejoice will be there when you are all together again in Heaven Fathers presence. May your love carry you through this difficult time and may you and your daughters remember the wonderful woman that was always ready to serve, not just the church but her family as well. May God bless you all and comfort from the Holy Ghost pour over you all.
(I am a member from Australia and was a good friend of Jays when he served here)
Gus Garces says
Very sorry for your loss.
Len and Elaine Ellis says
We send our love at this tender time to you and your family. We have such sweet memories of Pat and your whole family during your days in Novato, California when our Jennie and Kellie were teenage friends. We keep you in our prayers that you will have comfort and the love of our Savior to abide with you.
Otto and Neva Ludwig says
Evan and Girls
We wish to express our love and sympathy to you of the sudden passing of your sweet Pat and Mother.
Our understanding of life and death really help us through these times of loveliness and sorrow. I often think of Sis. Sheri Dew’s statement ” This Is A Test, Only A Test” Sometimes the tests are hard…but in the end it makes us stronger.
Our prayers and concerns are with you and your families.
All Our Love Uncle Otto and Aunt Neva
William Ball says
To Evan and his family, You may or may not remember me, but I am Billy Ball, the kid who grew up next to the Peterson’s in Kemmerer, WY. I am Ray and Shirley Ball’s youngest son, and my wife and i own and operate the funeral home in Kemmerer currently. Words cannot express the shock when my sister, Raeleen, told me of Pat’s death. Just wanted to send our condolences as a family, and let you know your all in our thoughts and prayers. We deal with grief and death everyday, and I should be well trained to accept the shock when I hear of sad things happening to other people, but I am not. May our Heavenly Father …. and his choice blessings surround you and your family at this time. How wonderful is the plan that our Heavenly Father has given us….and …. until you meet her again, may our Heavenly Father bless and comfort you to get through this portion of your lives. All our love to you and your family.
Elaine Logan says
Evan and Tana, My heart goes out to you at this time of devastating loss. You are two of the sweetest and most tender-hearted people I have had the pleasure to associate with. I have felt similar loss and know the pain of a heart that feels like a knife has been thrust through it. When I suffered that I could not endure another moment of that pain, I turned to my Heavenly Father and begged him to mercifully remove the unrelenting ache. Miraculously, He indeed made my “burden feel light” and lifted the pain to a bearable level. I am so thankful that He has such great love for us that He would reach to lift us up in times of sorrow such as this. I pray that you will feel His tender mercies as you travel through this trevail, that He will make your burden light and that you will feel joy once again in the light of good that remains in the world. Sincerely, Sister Elaine Logan
Helen Follmer says
Brother Thorley and family, I have no words to tell of my sorrow at the thought of your loss. May your knowledge of the gospel and the promise of eternal life bring all of you comfort as the days go by. Our Heavenly parents are now comforting Patricia until you all meet again. May that thought bring you peace in this great time of saddness.
Jud and Juanita Flower says
We cannot believe that Pat is gone from this earth. She was so vibrant and fun to be around. We grew to love her in Billings. We love her family and miss knowing her when she was in Miles City and we had moved here to Billings. God bless Evan and all of her family. We love you so very much. Jud and Juanita Flower
Andrea Moore Inskeep says
I am so sorry for your loss and the sorrow you must feel. I will always remember seeing Sister Thorley early in the morning for Seminary. She was consistently ready and waiting for the students, and prepared each day to teach us the Gospel. That was just a small part of her life, but it is a service that I will always appreciate and remember. I pray for peace for your family now and in the days to come.
Karma & Frank McLeskey says
We are saddened by your loss. Pat was such a vibrant and lovely woman . Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Erick & Joyce Erickson says
Evan and Family,
We were so saddened to hear of Pat’s passing. We join with you in mourning the loss of a bright and cheerful soul from this earth. We love you and your family and so enjoyed the time you spent with us in Burke Ward. We are comforted by our confidence that you will be reunited with Pat, that the plan and promises of our Heavenly Father will be fulfilled. May the Lord bless you at this time of loss, and cheer you up with confidence in His promises.
Mark and Danita Grundvig says
We are so sorry for your loss and have sweet memories of Pat as a primary teacher for our son Clayton. We love the bright, happy smile that is so vivid in our minds as we remember her. Much love to you and your family.
JUDY MAROCKI BORINO says
What a beautiful and talented girl. The Peterson family were so good to me when i moved to Kemmerer, May this family be blessed at this time.
Gordon Ball says
Evan and Family :
I don’t know if you remember me or not I grew up next to Kendall and Vilote peterson and there children. I am Ray and Shirley Ball’s oldest son. I am sorry for your loss at this time but it is comforting to know that you will be togeather again as a family in the here after. May our Heavenly Fathers blessings be with you and your family at this time of sorrow in your life. Our family thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Cathy Mason says
My condolences to all of you to have experienced such a devastating and sudden loss. I am Kathy and Dent Mason’s sister in law, I knew Kendall and Violet well I am sure they are welcoming Tricia to eternal happiness in God’s loving arms. I wish her life were not so short, but none of us know the mind of God. I pray that all of you shall be watched over by your wife and mother and that God will help you to find courage and blessings.
Wendy Bagley says
Dear Evan and Girls,
As we reflect on our time with you here in San Diego, we have a smile on our face. Your humor, kind services and great friendship were rewarding to many and especially to us.
We are so sad for your loss and our loss of Pat. May the Holy Ghost comfort and guide you through this difficult time.
much love,
Dave and Wendy Bagley
Dan and Jan Clark says
We are so saddened by the loss of a cousin we never saw enough of. She looked so much like her mother and so vibrant. Hope we will be able to see Kathleen and Ann sometime in the future! Know that we are sharing your loss. Our hearts go out to her husband and daughters also.
Dand and Janet Clark