Beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, PATRICIA S. VANDIVER, 62, died Oct. 13, 2009, at her home in Amado after a serious illness. Surrounded by her family, she died peacefully under hospice care.

A very spiritual person, Patricia was a kind and compassionate woman who inspired others with her love of her family, friends, her horses and her dogs.

She was known for her exceptional skill with horses, both as a rider and a trainer. She was a mentor and friend to local equestrians and spent many happy hours on horseback with family and friends exploring the trails in Southern Arizona.

She worked as a volunteer for The Animal League of Green Valley, helping to find homes for abandoned dogs and cats and working in the thrift store. She was a member of the American Veterans Association Auxiliary and the Santa Cruz Valley Horseman’s Club and worked as a cook at Continental School.

Despite poor health, Patricia displayed an indomitable spirit and positive attitude through all adversity. Her passion for life inspired others.

Born Sept. 12, 1947, in Monroe Falls, Ohio, Patricia graduated from Stow High School in Stow, Ohio. She married Larry Dale Vandiver, a sergeant in the United States Air Force, March 31, 1967. The couple lived in many places during Larry’s Air Force service including Honolulu, Hawaii, Mesa, Queen Creek, Green Valley, Sahuarita, Vail, Tucson and Amado, Ariz.

Patricia was preceded in death by her parents, Elwood James and Betty June Fifer and her half-brother Ronnie Jones.

In addition to her husband of 43 lively years, Patricia is survived by: son Larry Wayne, daughter-in-law Tina and grandson Bradley, of Reliance, Tenn.; son Travis, daughter-in-law Brianna, and grandchildren Jaten and Hailee of Sahuarita.

Other survivors are her brother Andy and beloved friend Bob Forshay of Palmdale, Calif; aunt Madolyn and her husband Ray Blume of Victorville, Calif.; mother-in-law Ruth Vandiver; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Jim and Charlene Kuts; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Danny and Beth Vandiver, all of Ohio.

The Vandivers invite family and friends to a celebration of Patricia’s life on Sunday, Nov. 1, at their home, 2051 W, Quail Way in Amado, beginning at 2 p.m.

The family requests that any remembrances be made to The Animal League of Green Valley or the Carondelet Hospice Program in Green Valley.