Patricia I. Messier

Patricia I. (Ellis) Messier peacefully transitioned into eternal life on December 11, 2024 at her Durango, Colorado home of 48 years, as she had always wanted. She was born February 26, 1935 to Orin Ellis and Florine Stotts in Denver, CO. Her family moved around the country for a while, finally settling in Pasadena CA. Patricia graduated high school from Pasadena City College, Lower Division in 1953. During junior high school, Patricia joined the Job’s Daughters and while at PCC, she was in the Sorority of One. While she was working at Brotherton’s Farmhouse Restaurant during high school, she met her future husband, Richard. They married in 1953 and had 71 loving years together. She and Richard moved to Albuquerque, NM in 1953 while he was stationed there with the Army until 1956. They returned to California and grew their family to add two sons, Bryan and Keith. Patricia worked various jobs including managing B&K Refrigeration, the business she and Richard started, as well as campaigning for the Reagan Governorship, but her passion was homemaker and mother. In 1971 they moved the family and business to Durango, CO where she continued managing the business until her retirement in 2000.

During her years in Durango, Patricia was a member of the Mounted Rangers Auxiliary, The Aspen Club in Bayfield, CO where she was instrumental in the Mercy Baby Basket Project for less fortunate families. She also worked as a Lay Therapist for several years. In her spare time, she loved gardening and doing things for her family. Her family all felt the love and support she always provided.

Patricia is survived by her husband, Richard, sons Bryan (Susan) and Keith (Rhonda), Grandchildren Justin (Jaime), Jacob (Jennifer), David, Travis (Joy) Messier, and Justin (Christi) Baxter. Great Grandchildren Nathan, Brooklyn, Abigale, Hayden and Emily Messier and Faythe, Jordan and Jacob Baxter, sister-in-law Norma Jacobson, a niece, a nephew and several grand nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by a Great Grandson, Gavin and Great Granddaughter, Hannah. 

There will be a private Memorial for family in the spring of 2025.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice.