PATRICE NEEF

PATRICE NEEF Patrice "Pat" Leann Neef, 68, passed away on Saturday, August 19, 2023, after a long battle with cancer. She was attended by family at the time of her passing and will be greatly missed for her compassion, positive outlook, strong work ethic, and love for her family. Pat was born on Wednesday, November 24, 1954, in Beloit, KS as the second eldest of 4 children. Pat resided in Wichita and McPherson, KS then moved to Castle Rock, CO in July of 1985, which she made her permanent home. Pat is survived by her husband James "Jim" Neef, children, Justin Bleger and Katie Gardner, Grandchildren, Oliver Bleger, Rhys Bleger and Desyn Bleger, sisters, Jo Littrell and Beth Chalmers and Golden Doodle Piper. She is also survived by 23 nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews that lovingly call her "Aunt Patsy." Pat was preceded in death by her parents Eugene Schroeder and Carol Schroeder-Dahlsten, stepfather David Dahlsten and brother Timothy Schroeder. While raising two children as a single mother and working multiple concurrent jobs, Pat earned her bachelor's degree at Denver Metropolitan State University in Denver, CO, then obtained her MBA in Accounting and Finance at Regis University in Denver, CO. She also held a prestigious Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) designation. Pat started her professional career as a Bookkeeper at the Denver Press Club then moved to Multi-Financial Group as a Commissions Accountant. Pat was most proud of her contributions working for Douglas County. She began her tenure as the county Controller and worked her way up to the Chief Deputy Treasurer Public Trustee. The staff and elected officials of Douglas County were her second family for 28 years, from 1998 until the time of her passing. Pat adored spending time in the Colorado mountains with her family snow skiing, river rafting, hiking, camping, and taking long drives. She had a knack for capturing the rugged beauty of the Colorado wilderness in photographs. Pat enjoyed home improvement and could be found many weekends refurbishing and remodeling her house and tending to her garden. Despite her professional persona, she had a wild streak and loved the Denver Broncos, margaritas, listening to rock 'n' roll music, going to concerts, and hosting parties for her friends. She frequently talked about how much she enjoyed being a grandmother and helping her grandsons to grow and learn. Many people speak of Pat as the strongest woman they have known. She was determined, driven, incredibly resourceful and irreplaceable. Please join us in honoring Pat's life and legacy on Sunday, October 29th, 2023, at the Oaks at Plum Creek, 321 Players Club Dr., Castle Rock, CO 80104. Pat's Celebration of Life ceremony will begin at 1:00 pm and will be followed by refreshments, light hors d'oeuvres, and sharing of smiles, laughs and fond memories. To send flowers for the ceremony, contact Wilcox Flowers at www.wilcoxflowers.com or (303) 635-6347. In lieu of sending flowers, donations can be made in Pat's name to Help & Hope Center at www.helpandhopecenter.org