Patricia Barnhill

1929 - 2016

Patricia Barnhill
September 21, 1929 - March 29, 2016
Patricia Barnhill passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 29, 2016 after a brief illness.
Pat was born September 21, 1929 in El Paso, Texas and married her high school sweetheart, Ken Barnhill, on August 10, 1950. While he pursued a career in mining, Patricia earned her business degree from New Mexico State University at a time when women didn't earn business degrees.
Ken's career took them from New Mexico to Nevada, Canada, California, Colorado, and back to New Mexico. Patricia taught elementary school until her oldest child, Jane, was born. She was blessed with two daughters, Jane in 1954, and Martha in 1964.
Patricia felt much joy in being a wife and mother, but she took on perhaps her favorite role in 1993 when she became a grandmother to Maryjane. When Ken passed away in 2002 after 52 years of marriage, Pat moved to Pocatello, Idaho to be close to Martha and Maryjane.
She was active in the Bannock County Democrats, volunteered at the Pocatello Community Charter School, and assisted with office duties at Trinity Episcopal Church. Patricia adapted her service to others after a stroke in 2011 left her unable to drive. She continued to make meals for friends and church members when they experienced a hardship. She hosted a monthly book club, and she always remembered birthdays and special occasions with a card.
Patricia maintained her intellect and kindness until the end. She recently filed her own taxes and kept tabs on everyone on the church prayer list. In addition to being a loving wife, sister, mother, and grandmother, Pat knew how to be a great friend. When she moved to Pocatello in 2003, she immediately became involved in the community and quickly made lasting friendships. She enjoyed living in Pocatello and always said that the people here are so helpful and friendly.
Patricia is survived by her daughters, Jane (Clay) Sanders of Houston Texas and Martha Martin of Pocatello; granddaughter Maryjane Martin of Missoula, Montana; sister Bobby (Greely) Myers of Las Cruces, New Mexico and brother Ed Boney of San Marcos, Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Eleanor Boney, and her husband, Ken Barnhill.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to My Brother's Table (248 N. Arthur, Pocatello 83204) and the Pocatello Community Charter School (995 S. Arthur, Pocatello 83204).
The family would like to thank the medical staff at Portneuf Medical Center who got to see Pat's humor and character in her last days.
Memorial services will be held Thursday, March 31, 2016 at Trinity Episcopal Church, 248 N. Arthur in Pocatello with interment in Albuquerque, New Mexico following at a later date. Condolences may be shared with her family online at www.wilksfuneralhome.com.