This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: RonColby41 Surnames: Colby, Hanks Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.colby/1228/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Patricia Kay Hanks Born in Salem, OR. on Oct. 28, 1943 Died on Jul. 4, 2009 and resided in McMinnville, OR. Service: Saturday, Jul. 11, 2009 Cemetery: Belle Passe She leaves her loving husband of 46 years and best buddy, Al Hanks, children David and Lisa and grandchildren Diego, Thibaud and Guillaume. Memorial services will be held Saturday, July 11, 2009 at 1:00 pm at Chapel of Macy and Son. Born in Salem, on October 28, 1943, Patricia was raised in Gervais by her parents Izorah "Kay" and Roscoe Colby, and was one of five sisters. While attending Gervais High School, she was a cheerleader and championship softball pitcher. As a teen, she loved to wear pleated miniskirts and dance the night away. Music was a life-long passion, particularly jazz and rock and roll. Patricia always had a piano in the house and played beautifully. "She was the prettiest girl I ever saw," Al remembers of their first meeting at the University of Oregon, where they were both undergraduates. A devoted, lifelong Ducks fan, she cheered on her football team during every game, dressed head to toe in yellow and green. Patricia went on to earn a Fine Arts degree from the University of Nebraska, Omaha, in 1979, as well as a Master's in Museum Studies from California State University, Long Beach, in 1990. As an artist, she created oil, tole and watercolor paintings, as well as prints and jewelry. Patricia enjoyed cross-country skiing, mountain biking, golfing, camping, hiking and flyfishing. She sought out new places to sightsee, walk, shop, ski, drink wine and eat cheese, and travelled extensively in the U.S., Europe and Asia. She also enjoyed reading, cooking, gardening and indulging her sweet tooth; Godiva chocolates and Tillamook berry shakes were special favorites. She volunteered in many places, including the Master Gardener program, Air Force Family Services and various museums. Patricia was a devoted, loyal, loving wife, mother and homemaker, though she didn't particularly like housework. She was fiercely protective of her children, and dearly loved her grandsons. The hole in our hearts will never be healed. She will be sorely missed. Memorials may be given to Huningtons Corea c/o Macy and Son. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.