Patricia Lorraine Wittman

Patricia “Pat” Wittman, 92, left this life on July 28, 2020.

Born Patricia Lorraine Woodburn in McMechen, West Virginia on August 22, 1927, she was raised in Kent Ohio by her Mom, Mildred “Millie” Woodburn Zeeb, and stepfather, William “Bill” Zeeb. 

Mom graduated The City Hospital of Akron, Ohio in 1948 with a Nursing degree.  She soon accepted a position at Ft. Defiance, AZ, where she met Herbert Walter Wittman, who quickly swept her off her feet and they married in 1951 living in Gallup, NM for the next few years.  In 1955, they moved to Salome, AZ.  While Daddy worked at the railroad, Mom raised kids and treated local injuries on the kitchen table. 

In 1959, they moved and settled into Wickenburg, where Mom began her 27-year career at Wickenburg Community Hospital.  Working nights at first, it wasn’t long before she became the “Head Nurse”, and then Director of Nursing.  Oh how she loved that hospital, and everyone in it.   So many wonderful moments and great stories!

While working, she raised three children, and continued to treat neighborhood injuries at the kitchen table.  She rarely missed any of our school events and drove all over the state to make sure we got to see The Game – football, basketball, baseball - we did not miss many Wrangler events. 

At 5pm every day, she and Daddy sat down for what has always been known as “wine time” in our family. This is where they recapped the events of their day and figured out how to resolve whatever problems their kids were causing.  They were a great team and never failed to make the right decisions vs. the easy one - much to their childrens dismay!

In retirement, Mom continued to serve the hospital she loved by working on the board and attending every possible function.  Walking through the front door of the hospital never lost its luster for her.  During a recent stay at WCH, the nursing staff brought Mom to her old office, and listened to her stories.  To say this was a highlight in her final year would be an understatement.

With extra time on her hands, Mom was able to dedicate more time to her beloved church, St. Alban’s Episcopal, where she held multiple positions on Altar Guild, Vestry, and Episcopal Church Womens group (ECW).  No job was too big or too small for her.  In 2014 she was recognized as Parish Woman of the Year by the Diocese of Arizona, an honor she was extremely proud of.

Mom was also a member of PEO and loved the organization, their mission, and the women in it.

When not serving their community, Mom and Dad enjoyed traveling, and visiting children, grandchildren and family spread across the States. 

Not too long after Daddy died, Mom moved to My Father’s Ranch in Wickenburg where she was surrounded by friends and led a full life that included road trips and memories too numerous to mention.  At the beginning of 2020, her dementia worsened, so Mom moved into the Assisted Living section of the Ranch, until she fell and broke her hip in March.  Now unable to walk, she moved to a wonderful group home in Surprise.  It is here she lived her last days.  Difficult because of the Covid19-imposed isolation, we held routine video chats and Mom parted this world knowing she was well loved.   

Mom is survived by her three children: Barb (Gary), Carol (Mike), John (Karen), she was “Grandma” to 10 grandchildren, “Bana” to 15 great-grandchildren (and counting), and “Aunt Pat” to her nieces.  Every single one of us was her true source of joy and pride. A strong woman with a huge heart and a smile you hoped to be the target of, we were all so lucky to be hers! 

A memorial service will be held in the fall, pending the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions.

Memorial donations may be made in Mom’s name to:

Wickenburg Community Hospital Foundation

520 Rose Lane, Wickenburg Arizona 85390

928-684-5421

St. Alban’s Episcopal Church

357 W. Yavapai St., Wickenburg, AZ 85390

928-684-2133

Friends may offer online condolences at www.davidsdesertchapel.com

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