Patricia Hope Gustofson, 82, of Ames died July 5, 2015 at Green Hills Care Center. A celebration of life memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday July 30, 2015 at First Christian Church in Ames.
Patricia was born February 11, 1933 in Boone, Iowa the daughter of Fred and Blanche Sandell. She graduated from Boone High School and went on to Cottey College in Missouri and returned to graduate from Iowa State University where she played the violin in the ISU symphony and was a member of Gamma Phi Beta. She married Don Gustofson on January 1, 1955 in Boone. Pat taught kindergarten in Nevada Public Schools from 1974-1985. She was a member of PEO Chapter HN, Iowa State University Women's Club participating in the gardening and bowling divisions, Homewood Ladies Golf League, Questers of Ames, and a longtime member of First Christian Church of Ames serving in many roles. She enjoyed spending time with her family as well as gardening, researching genealogy, collecting antiques, and playing bridge.
Patricia is survived by her four children; a daughter, Deborah (William) Hoemann of Harrah, Oklahoma; Two sons, Scott Gustofson of Kelley, Iowa, and Grant (Mary) Gustofson of Boone, Iowa and a daughter, Kirsten (Kevin) Pirko of South Riding, Virginia, Twelve grandchildren; Matthew, Nicolas and Meghann Hoemann of Oklahoma; Scott, Jacob, Jarred, Jordan, Sarah and Brenton Gustofson of Boone, Iowa; and Andrew, Daniel and Case Pirko of South Riding, Virginia, Four great grandchildren include Alaysia, Amara, Aylah, and Robert Hoemann of Shawnee, Oklahoma, and one sister-in-law, Aileen Sandell of Fort Dodge, Iowa. She was preceded in death by one brother, Thomas Sandell.
Memorials may be directed to the First Christian Church in Ames.
Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
I've known Pat for many years as a family friend and fellow Gamma Phi Beta sister. My favorite memories are stopping by her home after sorority rush to share all the news from sorority circle and bring our signature pink carnations. A quick drop-by often turned into an hour laughing about Homewood ladies golfing and faculty women's bowling shenanigans, which she enjoyed with my mom. Don could be found rolling his eyes and serving us lemonade. Both always so gracious and friendly! I'm missing her joyful spirit, and send many thoughts and prayers to the family she was so proud of.
As your neighbors directly across the street on Maxwell, we had daily contact with coffees, shopping, bridge, golf, traded being 'sitters' , taught Chip violin etc. When you moved to the farm was a sad day for us but we threw a house party and our gift was a scarecrow. What fun. Your mom was a wonderful, charming friend and she will be missed BUT we have such fond memories to console us. We are sorry for your loss.
Scott, Deborah and Grant: I have fond memories of many afternoons goofing off at your house on Maxwell, and then the farm. And your mother endured all my antics with the patience of Job. My thoughts are with you as you celebrate her life well-lived.
I grew up next to Don and Pat on Maxwell Drive in Ames. What an amazing family. So sorry for her passing.
To Pat's family,
Reading of your Mother's death brought back many memories of the BEST Kindergarten teacher in Nevada. Both our son, Alan, and daughter, Laurie, had the joy of being her students here in Kindergarten. She was such a joy to be a room parent for as well.
Our deepest sympathy to you all. Warmly, Judy & Mel Craven
Service
Ames, IA 50010
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