Patricia Van De Brake "Patti" Minshull

1951 - 2022

Patricia "Patti" Van de Brake Minshull was born January 30, 1951, in Ellensburg, Washington, the 4th of 7 children. After suffering a massive stroke, Patti passed away in Seattle, Washington June 24, 2022, surrounded by loved ones.
Patti was raised in Thorp, Washington, graduating from Thorp High School in 1969, the Valedictorian of her class. Patti did not attend college right away, instead she chose to travel and live on the North Shore of Oahu, cementing her lifelong love of the ocean and beaches. Upon her return to Washington, she lived north of Seattle where she met the love of her life, Ross Minshull.
Patti and Ross married in Paradise (Mount Rainier), Washington, August 4, 1984. They eventually returned to Thorp to purchase and live in the Van de Brake family home. Their many shared interests included gardening as evidenced by the beautiful flower gardens and bountiful vegetable gardens that surrounded their home. Their love of ocean beaches took them to several less populated areas in Mexico. Patti and Ross enjoyed taking road trips that often led them to one of their favorite PNW beaches or to their treasured mountain getaway at the family property near Liberty, WA. Patti loved all living things, especially their cat Bumpurr.
Family and friends were of utmost importance to Patti. She cherished yearly family gatherings at Iron Springs having beach fires, digging clams, flying kites or simply enjoying the shared laughter and love. Patti (aka Little Pat) was the glue that held our family together. Patti, along with her mom and 2 sisters called themselves the Fab 4. The Fab 4 went on many adventures together following the motto 'Half the fun is getting there!'
Patti looked forward to her monthly lunch date with friends Sandra Bach and Tammy Wilson ensuring each lunch ended with Peppermint Patties.
Patti loved music. She went to many concerts, but the highlight has always been the Beatles concert she attended with her fellow music lover and partner in crime, Janie Finney.
Over her years in the Kittitas Valley, Patti held several different jobs. She worked in the Law Offices of Frederick Beckley & Cooper and was Deputy Superior Court Clerk. She earned recognition for distinguished service as Deputy Court Clerk and was also honored as the Legal Support Person of the year in 1997.
Patti decided to take a break from work to further her formal education. She attended Central Washington University graduating in 1992 with a Bachelor's Degree in Anthropology and a Minor in Spanish. During her time as a student Patti combined her love of learning with her love of travel, studying abroad in Spain for 1 quarter, and traveling in Europe with her mother-in-law and a family friend.
Following her work in the Superior Court, Patti began working at Central Washington University where she was a valued employee and received the Employee of the Month Award. She was loved and respected by those who worked with her. Patti retired from Central August 30, 2019.
Patti was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Patricia Van de Brake, her dear sister, Cheryl, her brother Brooke, family friend Donna Fields Tomac, and lifelong friend from childhood, Jane Finney.
Patti is survived by her loving husband, Ross Minshull, her beloved cat, Bumpurr, siblings Gary (Kathy) Van de Brake, Phil (Linda) Van de Brake, Tamara (Glen) Osborn, Lisa (Dean) Schuldt and Sister-In-Law, Charlotte Van de Brake. She is also survived by her paternal Aunt June (Bob) Fields, 11 nieces and nephews, 10 great nieces and nephews, numerous cousins, and good friends Gregg and Nancy Finney and Martha Vaughn Hunt Smith.
Memorial contributions in Patti's honor may be made to the Kittitas County Fire District 1/Volunteer Association, The Van de Brake Memorial Scholarship Fund (in care of KCFD1/Volunteer Association), PO Box 34, Thorp, WA 98946 or the charity of your choice.
At Patti's request, a simple gathering may be planned at a later date.