Patricia WILLIAMS

WILLIAMS, Patricia Nov 21, 2025 Patricia Clawson Williams (age 77) of Spokane, died on Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). She passed peacefully, surrounded by friends and family in her apartment at South Hill Village. She will be missed for her intelligence, lively personality, community service, and quick wit, as well as for her pioneering contributions as a corporate attorney and federal bankruptcy judge. Patricia was born on Sept 8, 1948, in Bethany, Missouri, to Willmina F. and Charlie L. Clawson. She spent her childhood in Missouri and Oregon, leading wily bands of cousins in both locations. She graduated from Lafayette High School in St. Joseph, Missouri, in 1966 and attended Park College in Kansas City, earning a bachelor's degree in 1969 in political science with minors in art history and theology. That same year, Patricia married Timothy N. Williams, and in 1970, they moved to Spokane, where they both became active members of the community. Beginning in 1972, Patricia attended Gonzaga University School of Law, earning a JD in 1974. After graduation, Patricia served as assistant city corporation counsel with the City of Spokane. In 1977, she transitioned to a full-time role as an associate at Winston & Cashatt Lawyers, where she had served as a law clerk from 1973 to 1974. She quickly gained a reputation for being funny, wise, and unflappable, and in 1981, she was named the first female partner at a large Spokane law firm, devoting her practice primarily to bankruptcy and commercial transactions. Patricia was a founding member and the first president of the Spokane Chapter of Washington Women Lawyers. She became the first woman president of the Spokane County Bar Association, serving from 1985 to 1986. She also served on the Board of Governors from 1994 to 1998 and was treasurer of the Washington Bar Association in 1997. In addition, Patricia was the first woman certified by the American Bankruptcy Board of Certification. In July 1997, Patricia was appointed the first and only female bankruptcy judge in the Eastern District of Washington, presiding over the Catholic Diocese of Spokane and Metropolitan Mortgage bankruptcy cases. Though she was a no-nonsense magistrate, she understood the problems of everyday people and served on thousands of individual bankruptcy cases with kindness and compassion. She held the position of Chief Judge from 2001 to 2006 and retired from the bench in September 2013. As a long-time parishioner at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Patricia served in many capacities over the years. She was a founding member of St. Monica's guild and held various leadership roles at the cathedral, including on the board for St. John's Foundation, St. John's Properties, the Service League, and the Cathedral Chapter. In retirement, she volunteered as the operations manager for Windfall Thrift Store. A strong proponent of community service, Patricia served on the board at Mukagawa Women's University during the formative years of its U.S. campus. She also volunteered at Free Rein Therapeutic Riding of Spokane, SpokAnimal, Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service (SCRAPS), and the Palm Springs Animal Shelter. Patricia was a lifelong learner, an avid reader, and a font of historical knowledge. She enjoyed traditional needlework, mysteries, sailing, and playing games with family and friends. She studied hieroglyphics and Japanese. She loved animals - especially dogs and horses - and she kept them as members of her family throughout her entire life. She was an accomplished dressage rider and, for many years, was a tireless volunteer and keen competitor at area horse shows. Patricia worshipped the sun and spent her last 15 or more winters in Palm Springs, California, hosting an ongoing river of family and friends. More than anything, Patricia was devoted to her community and family. She always lent a hand when someone was in need, whether it was making soup for a sick friend, caring for a neighbor's dog, or supporting family through transitions and growth. The last decade of her life was particularly focused on enjoying her grandchildren, including three great-grandchildren. Patricia is survived by her sister-in-law Michelle D. Williams (Curtis Settino); son David C. Williams; granddaughter Mariah N. Cornwall (Jonathan L. Maisel); and great-grandchildren Kaia C. Maisel, Ezra Cornwall, and Judah Maisel. She was preceded in death by her husband Timothy N. Williams. A funeral service and reception will be held on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, at 1 p.m., at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, 127 East 12th Ave., Spokane, WA 99202.