PATRICIA ANN FLODIN

Smith Funeral Home LTD and Crematory

God embraced Mom and gently took her into His glory on April 2, 2011, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Her family had the privilege of being by her side. Mom is rejoicing with God and reunited with her husband, son, parents and sisters and many loved ones who have gone on before her.

Patricia (Pat) (Trisha) Ann Flodin was born on September 27, 1929 in Louisville, Kentucky, to Henry and Ida Deddens. She was number five in the line up of six beautiful girls who were close in age and full of spirit. In her early years, she developed an amazing faith in God and her relationship with Jesus Christ continued to strengthen over the years. Her love for God was evident as she faithfully faced each day and grateful for each breath she was given.

Mom graduated from Nazarene College with a BS degree as a Medical Laboratory Technician and later met her future husband, Allan Thomas Flodin on a blind date. They were married on August 2, 1952. That same day dad received orders to report to active duty for the Korean War. While dad was in Korea, mom moved to Washington State where she lived with her inlaws and was one of the first Lab Tech's at Prosser Hospital. After dad returned home, mom helped start the family business, Flodin Incorporated. She was a 'stay at home' mom to which she did to the fullest. She loved her children more than life as she developed wonderful relationships with each of them. As each one of them married, she also treated their families with an insurmountable love and support. She was also called 'mom' by many of her children's friends as she and dad opened their home and fed many. No one was a stranger and all were welcomed at the dinner table. Mom was the 'best cook ever,' made dozens of Christmas cookies each year and created the most delicious clam chowder that was served every Christmas Eve. She hosted many extended family holiday meals and was a 'lady of cards' for she never missed any relative or friends birthday or anniversary.

Mom helped many people. She never wanted to draw attention to herself and did many things to help others privately. She gave generously and would do anything for anyone. She had the gift of serving, was hospitable, hard working, never sat down and did so with an infectious smile, bright blue eyes and genuine warmth. She was a pillar of stability and a true lady of grace. Mom had an amazing determination and spirit that far surpassed the serious health issues she encountered throughout her life. She was a woman of strength and inner beauty, a strong encourager, and even in her final days she continued to pray for others and encouraged loved ones to be strong in the Lord and understand that what she was going through was nothing compared to what Christ has done for her.

Mom loved and cherished time spent with family, as she planned and enjoyed many family gatherings. She gave countless hours as a Red Cross Volunteer working at the many Red Cross Blood Drawings. In her later years, she worked for the Sunnyside School District in which she received the 'Golden Apple Award' as a cook and it meant a lot to her to make sure each child was served and fed a warm meal. She valued each child that came through her line, often times purchasing some type of clothing if the need arose. She was active in her yard and took pride in the many dozen varieties of roses in her rose garden.

Mom is preceded in death by her husband Al, son Thomas (Tommy), parents Henry and Ida, and sisters Dorothy (Dottie)Fultz, Janet Deddens, and Lois (Peenie) Deddens. She is survived by her four children and their families who loved her beyond measure, Denny and husband Lee Hursh (Nicki Koep and Josylin Hursh), Mark and wife Christine Flodin (Cheri Newhouse, Lalayna and husband Randy Morgan, Luke and Nicole Flodin), John and wife Sylvia Flodin (Rachel and husband Jason Legan, Isaac and wife Emily Flodin and Andy Flodin), and Jeri and husband Nick Paulakis (Hannah and Rebekah Paulakis). She is also survived by 14 great-grandchildren, two sisters, Martha (Mottie) Schoenbachler, Joan (Jody) Joyner of Louisville, Kentucky and brother-in-laws George Fultz, John Flodin and Bill (Paula) Flodin of Moses Lake, WA.; many special nieces and nephews, and many dear friends who will greatly miss her. To all of you (too many to mention by name) thank you for your friendships with mom.

She was a member of the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and Lower Valley Christian Fellowship. She leaves behind a legacy of Christian morals and values and serving our Lord as she provided donations and countless hours of prayers for the sake of furthering the kingdom of God. Your crown awaits you, Mom!

Memorials may be given to Life Options (Lower Valley Pregnancy Center) c/o 100 E. Third St. Grandview, WA 98930, Young Life c/o 341 W. Woodin Road, Sunnyside, WA 98944 or Lower Valley Hospice 3420 Outlook Rd. Rd. Sunnyside, WA 98944.

Viewing and visitation will be on Friday, April 8, 2011 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Smith Funeral Home in Sunnyside, WA. Please join us in celebration of her life, both past and eternal future starting, Saturday, April 9, 2011, with graveside services at 11 a.m. at Lower Valley Memorial Gardens, Sunnyside. A memorial service will follow at 12:30 p.m. at the Grandview Church of the Nazarene. Those wishing to sign Pat's online memorial book may due so at www. funeralhome smith.com

We have been so blessed as 'Everyday was (is) a Gift.' Thank you Lord, for we shall forever cherish the moments. Thank you, Mom, for all you have done for us. We love you.