Patricia “Pat” Rose Fitzgerald was born to Harold and Luella (Sharbono) Hafemann on January 8, 1949. She was the sixth child of ten, growing up on a farm west of Crane. She attended Larson School in her younger years and graduated from Sidney High School.

Pat married Bob Harris in 1970 and to this union five children were born. They later divorced in 1979. She worked a variety of jobs from cleaning at Lalonde Hotel, a CNA at Richland Homes, and babysitting, before entering the food industry – working at McDonalds, Hardees, Hot Stuff Pizza, and Reynolds deli up to her retirement. As a single mom with five kids, she always managed to have meals on the table and clean clothes for each child. When the kids were little, every weekend was spent at “the farm,” with the kids spending days exploring the Grand Canyon and Battleship Butte, learning farm chores, and getting into mischief. Ultimately, at least one of the boys ended up walking a distance to the farm after Mom would threaten, “Do you want to walk?” as they were fighting. The boys though they were being funny with a reply of “yes,” and she made them walk.

In 2004, Pat met Bob Fitzgerald and they married in 2008, adding two more children to the mix. As years progressed, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, followed by a few more health challenges, keeping her close to home.

Bob was always making sure she was taken care of. When Pat was forced to be on oxygen 24/7, Bob did all the cooking, making sure she ate even when she didn’t feel like it. He ensured she made it to every doctor appointment and that her oxygen tubes were long enough to get through the house and out to the deck for some fresh air.

In her spare time, she enjoyed working puzzles, collecting salt and pepper shakers, going to bingo, or just going for a ride around town or to the river.

Surviving her are her husband, Bob; four sons Bob (Sam) Harris, Jr., Brent (Shannon) Harris, Bo (Hope) Harris and Brad (Cyndi) Harris; daughter Sis (Louie) Reyna; step-daughters Lindsey Fitzgerald and Jessica Fitzgerald; brothers Harvey (Lindy) Hafemann, Ray (Mary Kate) Hafemann, Harold Hafemann, Jr., and Philip Hafemann; sisters Mary Gebhardt, Gloria Stedman, Lois (Pat) Goff; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, grandkids, and great-grandkids.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents; sister Vivian Wilson; brother Ralph Hafemann; brothers-in-law Rex Gebhardt, Wilber Stedman, and Clarence Wilson; and sisters-in-law Diane Hafemann, Barb Hafemann, and Rachel Hafemann.

Memorial Contribution