Patsy M Acton, long term Riverton resident, passed away on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at Sage West Hospital in Lander. Funeral services will be at the United Presbyterian Church of Riverton on Friday, May 5, 2023 at11:00 am.
Patsy was born in Livingston, Montana on May 9, 1938, the fifth and youngest child of John and Nellie (Field) Shinn. She grew up in Livingston and was graduated from Park County High School with the class of 1957. While completing her senior year, she met Ernest Acton, her future husband. The two were married on July 12, 1957, in Livingston. Shortly after their marriage they moved to Bozeman, Montana, where their three children were born.
The family spent several years in Bozeman, and then moved to Sunnyvale, California. With its smog, heavy traffic, and millions of people, California was not compatible for the small-town couple. So, in 1967 they moved again, this time to Riverton. Once here, they knew this place was the place they would call home.
Patsy was a stay-at-home mom until her children were all in school. She volunteered as a room mother and became active in the P.T.A. She took a part-time teacher’s aide position at Lincoln School in 1969, working there for three years, then worked at Ashgrove School for four years.
As the children grew, she felt the need to further her education. She enrolled at Central Wyoming College as a full-time student and was graduated in 1982 as class valedictorian with highest honors. As the top student of her class, she was also awarded a University of Wyoming honor scholarship. However, with one child in college and another soon to be there, she reluctantly turned the scholarship down.
After her wonderful experience as an adult student, Patsy accepted a para position at Riverton High School, working several years in Driver Education under teacher Linda Brown. She also worked briefly for the English Department, and for a few years she was a reading para under teacher Mary Susan Archer. She enjoyed all of her jobs, but it wasn’t until she transferred to the Special Education Department that she knew she had found her true calling. She continued as a Special Ed para for many years.
After her official retirement in 2003, she was rehired as a part time employee. In 2007, she was voted “Outstanding Employee of the Year”, an honor she cherished.
Patsy loved her husband, her children, her grandchildren, her sisters, her friends, and baking for all of her “adopted” kids at Riverton High School. She also loved her church, playing bridge, writing poetry, working in her flower garden, and life. She loved to laugh, especially at herself, and was well known for her “offbeat” sense of humor.
She was an active member of the United Presbyterian Church of Riverton, serving as a deacon and an elder. She also taught Sunday school and Bible school. She served on two pastor search committees and for many years, she sang in the chancel choir. In addition to her church involvement, she was a life member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and had been active in the Riverton Garden Club and the Purple Sage Red Hats.
Survivors include: her husband Ernie of Riverton, children Cindy(Richard) Hogan of British Columbia, Scott (Heidi) Acton of Nywot, Colorado, and Kathy(Lee) Clucas of Greybull, sister Annie Asplund of Sparks, Nevada, grandchildren Rick(Grace) Hogan, Amanda Kongawi, Rebecca(Rob) Waud, Amy(Alex) Elsberry, Stacy(David) Gasvoda, Shane Clucas and John Acton, great grandchildren Maya, Jade, and Eden Hogan, Elijah and Ezra Kongawi, Aliyah and Jacob Waud, Nadia and Jude Gasvoda, and Loralee Elsberry. She is also survived by sister-in-law Cora Sawyer, and brother-in-law Loren (Evelyn) Acton and several nieces and nephews.
Patsy was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Frances Moralez and Beulah Hayward, her brother John Shinn and her grandson Shaun Hogan.
Memorials may be made to the United Presbyterian Church of Riverton or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
On-line condolences may be made at TheDavisFuneralHome.com
Services under the direction of Davis Funeral Home, Crematory, and Monuments.