Patricia Rose Dolven, 69

Patricia Rose Dolven, at 69 years of age, died near the Montana border in Idaho, violently but quickly, on Jan. 5, 2010, as the result of a collision between the car she was driving and a semi-truck. She was born Patricia Rose Williams to Darreld and Doris Williams on May 12, 1940, in Eureka. Pat grew up in Whitefish, and then moved to Harlem when she was in middle school. She attended Montana State University in Missoula for two years before transferring to the University of Montana in Bozeman, where she was graduated in 1962 with a bachelor s degree in home economics. Pat married Fred Dolven, her high-school sweetheart, in 1961. She taught for two years in Bozeman while Fred completed his degree in architecture. Pat and Fred lived briefly in Reno, Nev., in 1964, before joining and serving in the Peace Corps from 1966 to 1968. Upon returning from India, they lived in Billings, where their son, Davin, was born in 1969. The young family moved again to Reno in 1971 where they settled. Their daughter, Danica, was born in 1972. Pat raised her kids in the Huffaker Hills neighborhood of Reno, volunteered at her children s schools, and was intimately involved in Cub Scouts, Brownies, Children s Theater, and countless other activities. The Dolvens were members of St. John s Presbyterian Church in Reno for many years before Fred and Pat became instrumental in planting a new church in Sparks, Nev. Pat was a gourmet cook, a rapacious reader, and an exquisitely talented mother and grandmother. She served as the backbone of a diverse and far-reaching community that spans the globe. She had an uncanny ability to empathize with everyone she met and deeply touched many, many souls throughout her life. Somehow Pat would always say exactly the right thing at any particular moment. Her relationship with her family, while always incredibly strong, was never better than it was this past year. She will live forever in our hearts. Patricia is survived by her husband, Fred Dolven; her twin brother, Richard Williams; her son, Davin Dolven; her daughter, Danica, and son-in-law, Marc Gittelman; her two grandsons, Jacob and Elijah Gittelman; and an extensive network of extended family and friends. A funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 23, at Spanish Springs Presbyterian Church in Sparks. A ceremony is being planned for June near her childhood home and parents resting places in Kalispell, to inter her remains. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to the charities of your choice.