Patsy Ann Howard

Patsy Ann Howard

March 9, 1930 October 6, 2004

Services: Sat., Oct. 9, 11 a.m.

Patsy Ann Howard, 74, went home to be with the Lord early October 6, 2004. She was a 14-year survivor of brest cancer. During that time she enjoyed the love of her family, her friends and being in her garden.

Patsy was born on March 9, 1930 in Culver City, California, the only child of Everette and Marjorie Thornburgh. She grew up in Bakersfield and graduated from BHS. When Patsy was 16, she met a handsome young Navy man, Fred Howard. He asked her folks if he could take Patsy out on a date and amazingly they let her go. She received her teaching degree from San Jose State. Her teaching career began at Roosevelt Elementary the year of the big earthquake. It was 6 years after their first date when Fred and Pat met once again and began their courtship. June 21, 1953 the church bells chimed at First Presbyterian as Fred Jay Howard and Patsy Ann Thornburgh were wed. The following year they were blessed with the birth of their first daughter Janie and two years later Judy graced their lives. Pats next school placement was opening Ruth Harding School. Most of her teaching career was invested in the 3rd and 4th grade children at Harding. She also was a resource teacher, an early childhood specialist, a mentor teacher for CLIP (California Lutheran Intern Program) teaching interns how to be teachers, and a demonstration teacher for Fresno Pacific College. In 1964 and 1987 she received Teacher of the Year awards. She missed being with kids so much that she returned to the classroom at Harding to finish her 30-year teaching career.

After retirement she enjoyed traveling with Fred. Sometimes her daughters and their families would join in the fun. Other times special friends were their travel mate.

Pat was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Bakersfield for over 50 years. Patsy was involved in a variety of organizations: her favorites being Delta Kappa Gamma and PEO. On Monday of this week her PEO sisters gathered in her garden to admire her lovely handiwork. She was a past president and officer in Delta Pi, DKG, her teacher honor society. She was also an active member for years in the Retired Teachers Assocation. She treasured her years as a docent for the Bakersfield Museum of Art. Since she was a breast cancer survivor being a participant in the Relay for Life was an important marker each year.

Patsy was preceded in death by her parents, Everette and Marjorie Thornburgh and her son-in-law, Dan Quisenberry. She is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, Fred J. Howard; her daughter and son-in-law, Janie and Larry Stone; her daughter and son-in-law, Judy and Rob Ferguson; and her grandchildren, Lauren Ferguson, Dave Quisenberry, and Alysia and her husband, Chad Metcalf.

Patsy and her family want to thank Dr. Ravi Patel and the staff at CBCC for the tender care they gave her throughout the years and especially the last four years. Lamonde Billingsly has been a wonderful blessing providing care and friendship for both Pat and Fred the past six years. Pat chose Hoffman Hospice to care for her during her final days. They were compassionate, kind and helpful.

Pat loved her family dearly and they loved her. Fred said, Her husband loves her the most, but God outdid him. Gods love is the greatest love!

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to First Presbyterian Church, 1705 17th St., 93301, or American Cancer Society, 1523 California Ave., 93304 (note that funds are to stay locally) or to a charity of your choosing.

Chapel services will be held Saturday, October 9, 2004, at 11:00 a.m., at Hillcrest Mortuary Chapel. Visitation will be held on Friday, 3-7 p.m., at Hillcrest Mortuary.