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).