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Ethel "Pat" Black |
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March 22, 1920 ~ December 22, 2015 |
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May 6, 2016 |
 Ethel Lucille "Pat" Black went peacefully home
for Christmas. For 95 years she lived life fully
in thanksgiving for God's many blessings and in
anticipation of eternal life to come.
Ethel was the fifth of eight children born to
Montana homesteaders Willam and Ethel Throm. Her
nickname "Pat," given to her by her father, so
fit her spunky spirit that it lasted a lifetime.
Pat chose beauty school following graduation
from Great Falls High School. Her first career
opportunity took her to Havre, Montana, where a
young John Black used a long theater waiting
line as his opportunity to meet this petite
brunette, his "Patti." They were married in 1941
before John's Army service began.
John's work as a telegrapher for the Great
Northern Railroad moved them to Bonners Ferry,
Idaho in 1948. For the next 52 years they built
their home and relationships while enjoying the
natural beauty of the community they helped
strengthen. Pat's sensitivity to others combined
with her creative energy placed her in
leadership roles at St. Ann's Catholic Church
and in all organizatioons she joined. Many
programs and services implemented remain in
place today. Pat worked at Taft's Variety,
Bonners Fery High School, the Herald, and Bank
of Idaho. Fun was included in her busy schedule,
and the Black's home was often the warm
greeting, meeting, and eating place. Retirement
brought golf, cross country skiing, and Hemet,
California sunshine.
Always at the top of her love list were her
children Tom and Helen, and their friends. Just
as she encouraged otghers, so they encouraged
her. When health required a move to Spokane,
Washington 15 years ago, the adjustment was met
with Pat-style determination to develop new
friendships at Broadway Courts, Colonial Courts,
and with the many medical staff and health care
workers she met along the way.
Pat was preceded in death by husband John, her
loving parents and siblings Ken, Bill, Sam,
Helen, and Mary. She is survived by brother Dick
Throm and Sister Marjorie (John) Donoghue,
brothers-in-law Richard Birkenbuel, and Cy
Slaby. Forever thankful for her example are her
children Tom (Annie) Black and granddaughter
Sara of Vancouver, Washinigton, and Helen
(Denny) Voss of Camano Island, Washington, and
granddaughters Heidi (Zach) Anderson and Heather
(Justin) Herr. Missing "GiGi" are great
grandchildren Jaycee, Jaxon, Anika, and Tae. Pat
was a treasure to her many devoted nieces and
nephews and her favorite "Bonners Ferry kids."
Pat would desire loved ones to rejoice in each
other and in the hope and promise of the Risen
Christ. Pat lived the motto "Accept love. Give
love. Repeat." In her honor, please pass it on.
Services:
Graveside services for both John and Pat Black,
will be held at noon on Saturday, May 7, at
Grandview Cemetery, followed by a reception at
the Chick-n-Chop Restaurant.
(Note that the above is the correct date and
time for the services--over what had been
previously announced at recent church services). |
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