Patricia Turner Gribben
Reno - 11-5-1937 9-17-2018
Pat was born in Los Angeles, CA to Frank and Clara Turner. When the war was over the family moved to Boulder City, NV where Pat completed elementary and High school. She was involved in many social and scholastic organizations, was active in student government, and was the Girl's State Representative all while working part time for the US Parks Department.
In 1955 she moved to Reno to attend the University of Nevada (not UNR as she would remind everyone). She majored in elementary education. She was on the Dean's List and received numerous scholastic scholarships while working three jobs-Secretary at the Mechanical Engineering Dept., the Library, and the Dining (Gow) Hall.
Soon after graduation (in 1959) she married Clark Gribben and began teaching in the Washoe County School system where she taught for 7 years. When Clark started his Structural Engineering business she became the bookkeeper - a job that would last 33 years. Along the way daughters Stephanie (1969) and Allison (1970) joined the family and she was of course a supportive, loving parent in all their activities.
Pat played a mean hand of bridge, loved the movies, never failed to solve a crossword puzzle, and entertained us all at the piano. She treasured the back country and made many a trip backpacking, jeeping, horse packing, and rafting. A world traveler she was - visiting many countries on six continents, including Rural China, Russia and African safaris. She especially liked cruising.
Graeagle CA was her second home - the family vacationed or owned homes there for 50 years. In 2004 they purchased property near Clio and built their dream home. A log home that was her pride and joy as she had done all the architectural layout, selected all the materials and decorated and furnished it. A great place to entertain and she hosted many a party.
Pat was an amazing person with all the energy and smarts need to be a great Mom, wife and grandma and friend to so many. She was loved by all who knew her and will be greatly missed. She is survived by Clark, daughters Stephanie Murphy (husband Tim and grandchildren Makenzie and Kyle), Allison Gribben (boyfriend/partner Will Grenhart), brothers David Turner (Kay) and Steve Turner (Michell). There will be no service. A Celebration of Life (let's call it a Party - she loved a good party) will be held at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
I'm a little late in writing. I've known Mr. and Mrs. Gribben for most of my life. I babysat Stephanie and Allison for many years. We also went camping and my parents Warren and Betty Meacham were very close and played bridge too. Clark and my father were engineers along with the Panicari's and Longfields. They were all like family to me. Lots of great times and fun. I will always be thankful for knowing them in my life. God Bless!
Susan Meacham
April 13, 2019
Pat and Clark were close friends of my parents for many years and a big part of my childhood. The only time I ever went camping as a child was with Pat and Clark as my parents were not big campers! I remember Clark letting me drive his Jeep out in the wilderness, swimming in the cold lake, and eating s'mores by the fire. Pat and Clark attended our big family events ~ Pat was at my wedding shower and baby showers as well as attending my wedding and the weddings of my sisters. We shared some wonderful family dinners together over the years while my parents were still alive. The last time I saw Pat was two years ago in Graeagle. We ran into she and Clark at the Iron Door and at Grizzly Ranch! I had no idea that would be our last visit. She was a wonderful woman who will be greatly missed by all who knew her. My thoughts and prayers are with her loving husband, Clark, her daughters, and the rest of her family. May she Rest In Peace.
Ellen Walker McKinley and family
September 30, 2018
Clark, I want you to know how sorry I am for your loss. She was a wonderful lady! Glad to have you as a friend for so long. My prayers are with you. Will drop by when I see you in Clio!
Neil Beck
September 26, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. What an amazing woman! May your sweet memories carry you through this difficult time. The Tierneys.
September 23, 2018
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