Patricia Ann Kilts

Patricia Ann Kilts, 83, of Joseph, died March 11 at her home on her beloved ranch she shared with her husband, William "Gary" Kilts. A memorial service will begin at 2 p.m. Thursday at Bollman Funeral Home in Enterprise.

Patricia Ann Torrence was born Aug. 20, 1928, to Joseph and Ella Torrence in Reading, Kan. Pat and Gray were married in 1975. They farmed on the Royal Slope near Othello, Wash., before moving to their ranch in the Wallowa Valley in 1978.

She received her bachelor's degree in physical education and teaching degree from Colorado State University while a single mother. Patricia was a PRCA gold card holder for more than 50 years. Patricia was best known for her professional trick riding and trick roping. She performed all across America including Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall and Chief Joseph Days in 1952 and 1953 and other rodeo performances. Articles were written about Patricia in several national publications including Life Magazine, Western Horseman and others.

Pat loved the out-of-doors and her and her husband's ranch life. She loved to be involved with the care of her livestock whether it was calving, branding or nursing a sick animal to health.

Pat is survived by her husband of 36 years, Gary; sister, Mary Beth Boyd of Pueblo, Colo.; sister-in-law, Mrs. Robert Torrence of Topeka, Kan.; her children, Carolyn Fesler of Joseph, James Emerson Jr. of Bonney Lake, Wash., and Debbie Bobbitt of Joseph; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Flowers or memorial contributions may be sent to Bollman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 547, Enterprise 97828.

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