Patty Grant

A person cannot properly be discussed without placing them in the context of their history, past and present. Patricia Patty Grant passed away Sunday, Oct. 1, 2006, from injuries suffered in an automobile accident. Patricia savored a very private life with her husband and family. She gathered friends like a magnet and kept them faithfully through her life. She anticipated that when her eternal life started, she would join her departed friends and family and be joined later by her other family and friends. She very much loved all of them. She praised the Lord for sustaining her, as well as her late parents and sister. But, most of all, she adored and relied on her husband, Lewis. Lewis and Patricia, married for 57 years, were the proud parents of five children: Ann Martin b. 1945; twins Brenda Grant and Nancy Mina b. 1950; Andy Grant b. 1957; and Laura Arnold b. 1961. Of these children come seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She was proud of her family's talents in many areas and especially in music. She took pleasure in how God works in their lives. Born Jan. 23, 1920, on a farm, Patricia had a good life growing up in the small town of Pontiac, Ill. She was the daughter of John and Lula Lovelock who provided a stable life. Her inquisitive mind and good education led her all the way through college. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1941, majoring in dance and physical education. She then served in the Navy during World War II. Ensign Patricia Martin and her first husband, William Martin, were commissioned officers in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Patricia was a communications officer stationed in Coronado, Calif. Ensign William McLaughlin Martin was lost aboard a destroyer escort in 1945. She drew strength from knowing that one might get hurt in love, but in loving again one shows strength. In 1949, she married Lewis Grant, a World War II Field Artillery Weather Officer. Lewis, whom she adored and admired, adopted her 4-year-old daughter, Ann Martin. Serving as the humanities librarian at the California Institute of Technology after the war inspired Patricia to pursue a master's degree in librarianship from Denver University. She received her Master's of Science in 1965. She went on to serve as junior high librarian at Cache La Poudre Junior High School in LaPorte. Later she was a staff member in the remedial reading program at Larimer County Vocational Technology School. At her death she served Poudre Valley School District on a classroom accountability committee. Patricia's rich heritage and music traditions originated from her mother and sister's family and continue through the musical accomplishments of her children, grandchildren and their spouses. Her interest in music was present throughout the seasons of her life. She and husband Lewis are fans of the music of the 1930s and 1940s, such as Glen Miller and Lawrence Welk. Her love of dancing and rhythm caught on with those around her. At 86, she spent the morning of the accident with her line dancing group. To preserve the memory of the Lovelock generations, she wrote character sketches of family members in order to pass on knowledge of their frugal but enriching lives in the 1920s and 1930s. Patty is the last living member of that generation. With current family members, she enjoyed a collaboration to compile professional genealogical records of both the Lovelock and Srout her mother's side of her family names. As an amateur photographer, she compiled many albums over the years of her children and grandchildren, and the world around her. Agriculture was foremost in the Grant family. Well known for organic vegetables, "Grant Family Farm" was established by husband Lewis and son Andy. Patricia tirelessly provided clothing and kitchen supplies for resident workers. Gardening had always been a cherished hobby. Patty was dedicated to maintaining the beautiful floral gardens at the farm. Often she quoted this line in a poem by Keats: "A thing of beauty is a joy forever." She was invited to present slides of her gardens and was commissioned as "Master Gardener" of the Larimer County Extension Service. She also served as a member of the Colorado State University Women's Gardening Group. Patricia had a strong faith in God and commitment to her church friends. Patricia and Lewis have faithfully attended and volunteered at the First Presbyterian Church and Westminster Presbyterian Church for more than 40 years. Together they extended outreach to new members who were involved in supporting mission work, which included the Malawi Well- Water Projects in Malawi, Africa. She served as chair of the "In Memoriam Committee," an effort to preserve remembrances of late parishioners. She helped establish several Bible Study-Dinner groups and served as an elder officer and deacon. Patricia's civic contributions to Fort Collins included a leadership role in the 1980s program 'Designing Today For Tomorrow.' She served on many planning committees for the current Fort Collins Public Library, as well as the Fort Collins Lincoln Center. Patricia's memberships included: The Fort Collins Symphony Guild, the Colorado State University Women's Association whose mission is to raise money for student scholarships. She was particularly interested in the support of single mothers. Additional memberships included the Alpha Chi Omega Sorority, the Board of the Farm Bureau of Larimer County and the Women's Republican Club. She was also an advocate of the United Nations Association. Patricia was a supporter of gay and lesbian rights, as well as a staunch proponent of equal rights for all people. One of Patricia's many joys was to give and be aware of what would help or assist others. She delighted in detecting the needs of others and rallied to their cause. She was admired as a classy couture dresser, but often the garments were "vintage" from friends and thrift shops. She took pleasure in dressing whether she was going to the opera, a business meeting or a sports event. Yet, she accepted her husband's style of very casual of dress. "We are going to have fun," was a common Patty expression. Her sense of humor and a genuine affection for the other person and their problems reminded her to salute the people who helped her daily: the sacker at the grocery store, the nurse, a friend, the loved one. An avid reader on varied subjects from politics to romantic novels, Patty found contentment in such quotes as: Prayer to God has incredible power. Although being humble, you still never want to interrupt someone who flatters you. Remember that sometimes, not getting what you want is very lucky. Wait patiently for the Lord's direction. It is in giving that we receive. We must remember that its faith, hope and love that Paul taught us in Christ's spirit. 'All things work together toward good for those who love God and are called according to his purpose.' Romans 4 Patricia dropped her pebbles into life's pond and the ripples reached many. She said that she had been blessed with versatile talents. She recently wrote: "I haven't accomplished all of my purpose here. I have had fun along the way, accepting rather than regretting those things I failed to see. I have been inspired and comforted by Robert Browning's quote: 'A man's reach is beyond his grasp or what is a heaven for.' My indomitable spirit has seen me through many circumstances - from being poor during the Depression era to one of abundance - but I hope that I have maintained equanimity through it all." A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Thursday at First Presbyterian Church, 531 S. College Ave., Fort Collins. A reception will follow. A party celebrating Patty's life will be held at 5:30 p.m. at the farm. It will be a gathering of family and friends - all are welcome. It will be held at Grant Family Farms. Please look for the flags just north of County Road 70 on County Road 15. Memorial donations may be made in her name to the Colorado State University Women's Association, care of the "CSU" Foundation, PO Box 1870, Fort Collins, 80522. Please visit www.GrantFarms.com for more about Patricia. Please share your memories and thoughts.

Tributes

Patty Grant

October 1, 2006