Patsy Jean KRESS

KRESS, Patsy Jean July 23, 1937 - March 11, 2015 Pat Kress, a longtime Davis, California resident, battled lung cancer and died peacefully at her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Clio, Michigan to Ocer and Grace Wescoat, the fifth of six children. She graduated from Johannesburg High School in northern Michigan where she was a cheerleader, played basketball and was in the glee club. Pat met and married her beloved Edward "Ed" in Gaylord, Michigan in 1955. After their marriage, Ed returned to Michigan State University for further studies and Pat was issued a "Good Wife's Diploma" by the University for her devotion and support of her husband while he earned his degree. With two small children, they came to Eureka, California in 1960 where her husband had gained employment with the California Department of Beaches and Parks. A job promotion brought the Kress family to Davis and Pat got to move into her first new house the last day of 1963. Pat knew hard work and what going without was like as she grew up. The family's farm house had no electricity or indoor plumbing. By the end of WWII they did get electric lights, but that was it. Life was simpler in many ways, family was most important and without TV, telephone and easy access to outside entertainment, Pat found joy in creating her own music. She had a natural ear for old time melodies, learned to play the piano and accordion, and sang beautifully. She loved all types of music except jazz and continued to entertain family and friends until near the end. She was a highly principled person with strong values which she instilled in her children, but only demonstrated to others. She brought happiness with her wherever she went. She gave everyone she met a chance to be her friend, children and animals always seemed to sense that in her. A key purpose for her was to always enjoy, love and have fun with her family. She will be remembered by all for her laughter and her beautiful smile. Pat was, first and foremost, a stay-at-home mom until her children were teenagers, including being a scout den mother. When she was a teenager she did housekeeping work in her community. Later she worked as a waitress, grocery clerk, secretary, exercise instructor and a sales person for cosmetics and women's clothes. In Davis, she was vice-president of the Stonegate Country Club Board of Directors in the 1980's. She loved trees and was an avid supporter of preserving the historical Black Walnut trees along Russell Blvd. near her home. Pat enjoyed traveling and she was able to share the open road with her husband in their motor home. They traveled extensively after retiring in 1993, visiting all of the lower 48 states at least once. She loved oriental art and furnishings, decorating her home with items she found in her travels. Pat is survived by her loving husband, Ed; daughter, Cynthia Ann (Dan Barton); son, Dwain Edward (Lee Ann McCoy); granddaughters, Melanie Barton (Valerie Tims) and Valerie Kress; grandson, Danny Barton; and, great-grandson, Damon Barton; loving siblings in Michigan, Bonnie Love, Margaret (Charles) Wilson and Ocer (Sharon) Wescoat; and, numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by baby, Constance Marie; brothers, Edward and Donald; brother-In-Law, Floyd Love; and her parents, Ocer and Grace. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be Saturday, April 25, 2015, 11 am, at Stonegate Country Club, 919 Lake Blvd., Davis, CA 95616. The family is setting up a memorial fund in Patsy's name to help preserve trees in Davis. In Lieu of flowers, they are accepting remembrances for that purpose.