Patricia Mae Kimble was born in St Paul, MN on February 8, 1928 to Merrol and Phyllis Kimble. She had an older brother, Jim, and a younger brother, Graham. At the age of 14 Pat became the church organist and went on to major in Organ Performance at Macalester College in St Paul. After graduation she moved to Chicago and attended McCormick Theological Seminary with a major in Christian Education. There she met Bill Ratz. They married in August of 1951. When Bill graduated he took the position of Pastor at Lake City Union Church in Iowa. There they had Kim (1953), and David (1955).

In 1956 they moved to Minneapolis, MN where Karen, (1957), and Susan (1959) were born. Bill was pastor at Calvary Presbyterian Church and Pat was busy with raising children, being a pastor’s wife, Boy scouts, Sunday School, Children’s Choirs, PTA, After school activities, and many other activities. Somehow, she still found time to work on crafts of all kinds, and many people have been blessed by her knitted, crocheted, needle pointed, embroidered, and carved gifts. Pat continued using her musical talent throughout her life, teaching many others how to play, as well as being church organist and choir director at various times throughout her life.

In 1972 the family moved to Grants Pass, OR, where Bill took a position as Pastor at Bethany Presbyterian Church. Pat got a job at Grants Pass High School, and worked in the library, the language department and in the music department, as an aide and accompanist. She accompanied choirs, soloists and all the school musicals.

Throughout the years, Pat and Bill worked to instill in their children a love for all people. To achieve this, they sponsored children in India through the Christian Children’s Fund. Pat helped an inner-city church start a preschool program for underprivileged children.  They welcomed many people into their home. In 1974 Pat and Bill hosted an exchange student, Edmund Fouten, of Cape Town, South Africa, who became a lifelong family friend.

In 1984, after all the kids were raised, Bill and Pat moved to Hermiston, OR where Bill was pastor of Faith Presbyterian Church, and Pat was church organist and choir director. Bill retired in 1991 and they moved to Portland, OR to be near kids and grandkids. Bill preceded Pat in death in 1993.

After becoming a widow Pat traveled with elder hostels and friends and saw many amazing places. She continued with her many crafts and added building dollhouses and furnishing them. Pat volunteered for Loaves and Fishes delivering Meals on Wheels and always took a grandchild with her. She also volunteered at the local library teaching immigrants to read English, and at the local grade school reading to children. Pat was devoted to her children, grandchildren and her calico cats; Grindl, Alpha, Betsy and Ruby.

Pat lived with Alzheimer’s Disease for the last 14 years of her life. She passed from this life on May 12, 2018. She was 90 years old. She will be remembered for her love of music, arts, and her fellow man, her kind and generous heart and her gentle spirit.

Pat is preceded in death by her husband, Bill; her parents and brothers; her son-in-law Stephen Riese and most of her friends. She is survived by her children, Kim Ratz (MaryLou) of Minnetonka, MN; David Ratz (Linda) of Salt Lake City, UT; Karen Riese of The Dalles, OR; and Susan Ollivant (Alan) of Fairview, OR; 17 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.

Donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in her memory: CLICK HERE TO GO TO ALZHEIMER’s ASSOCIATION