Pat was born on August 27, 1931 to Robert J. Zenetta Arthur in Pittsburg, PA. She spent her childhood attending numerous elementary schools while her father served in the military. The family eventually settled in Denver, CO, where she graduated from East High School and attended University of Colorado. She met her future husband, Roy, in 1951 and they married on November 16th, 1952. Pat, Roy and their four children eventually moved to Grand Terrace, CA in 1967. After a long battle with Alzheimer's, Pat peacefully passed away in the same house in which they had lived for 51 years.
Pat's lifetime of service to her family and her community was a core part of who she was. She was active as both a Girl Scout Leader and PTA member/President. Pat's selfless passion for education led her to serve on the Colton Joint Unified School District Board of Education for 16 years. She was a member of the Grand Terrace Women's Club for 51 years, serving in many roles, including Club President, District Parliamentarian and State President of the California Federation of Women's Clubs. Pat served as a deacon at First Presbyterian Church of San Bernardino and was the Chairperson of the Bereavement Committee. In 2012, Assemblyman Mike Morrell recognized Pat as the 63rd CA Congressional District Woman of the Year, an award celebrating community service and outstanding contributions by California women. She will be remembered for her kindness, compassion, selflessness and generosity. Her passing leaves a huge hole in the hearts of her many family and friends who had the privilege to know and love this amazing woman.
Pat is survived by her husband of 66 years, Roy Nix of Grand Terrace, CA; children, Deborah (Rick) Nix-Carlson, Roy (Zita) Nix Jr., Carolyn Kuenning and Lindy (Steve) Ward; 12 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Zenetta Arthur and her brother, Bob Arthur.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, November 16th at 10:00 AM at First Presbyterian Church, San Bernardino, 1900 N. D St., San Bernardino, CA, with a reception to follow at the church. Burial will be private. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Colton Joint Unified School District Scholarship Fund.
