Patricia Ruth Tooker

A private family service will be held.

Ms. Tooker was employed in bank marketing.

She is survived by one son, Dale of Grand Junction; one daughter, Lynette Wirth of Carmichael, California; one brother, Howard Elder of Nucla; two sisters, Phyllis McCullen of Nucla and Winnie Dyer of Grand Junction; and three grandchildren.

Patricia Tooker

January 29, 1934 - November 17, 2015

Patricia Ruth Tooker passed away from natural causes in her home on November 17, 2015, at the age of 81.

On January 29, 1934, Pat was born to Frank and Hannah Elder in Lakeview, Colorado and was the fourth of five children: her sisters, Barbara (Cassietto), Winnie (Dyer), Phyllis (McClelland) and her brother, Howard Elder. She was raised in Telluride, Colorado, and after graduating as Valedictorian from Telluride High School, she attended Mesa College on a scholarship. It was there that she caught the eye of her future husband and love of her life, Ed Tooker. They were married New Year's Day, 1953.

Pat and Ed had two children, Lynnette (Wirth) and Dale Tooker. Everyone knew that at the center of her world were her grandchildren, Ryan Tooker, Audrey (Phelps) and Caitlyn (Harris).

Pat was a sparkling soul. She worked in the banking industry for over 30 years at Colorado Bank and Trust in Delta, Colorado, Mesa National Bank, United Bank, Norwest Bank and Wells Fargo in Grand Junction, Colorado. Pat was active in the Grand Junction community serving on the board for the Museum of Western Colorado, Downtown Development Authority, and led the Senior Striders on weekly walks for many years. While at United Bank, she successfully spearheaded the ""Save The Buffalo"" campaign to make 4th and Main the permanent home of the Chrome on the Range Buffalo. Pat was forever proud of this accomplishment and the legacy she brought to the community. The Chrome on the Range will continue to be a testament to her passion and spirit.

Pat was a vibrant, social, and creative person, whose energy and passion for life was obvious whether she was attending the National Rodeo Finals in Las Vegas with her longtime friend, Albert Aldasoro, or sharing something loaded with chocolate with her family. No matter the event, Pat was always dressed to the nines.

Pat was preceded in death by her husband, Ed and her sister, Barbara.

A celebration of life will be held in her honor in the Spring of 2016.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Art on the Corner Program by contacting the Downtown Development Authority.

Published in The Daily Sentinel on Nov. 25, 2015