Frances Mae “Pat” Colvin, age 96, died on Wednesday, May 18, 2016, at her home in North Platte, NE.

Pat was born May 12, 1920, to James Raymond and Elsie Pearl Watts Arnett in North Platte. She grew up in the Platte Valley, graduating from Platte Valley High School. Right after graduation, Pat moved to Denver, CO to attend Parks Business College. After graduating, she lived with a group of friends, and worked as a bookkeeper for several companies. She was a very independent woman for her time.

Always strong, sharp, and thoughtful, Pat fondly remembered her time working for the railroad in Denver. It was there she met her husband, Raymond Edward Colvin. After two dates, they were married, then Ray was sent overseas to serve in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

Following Ray’s discharge, they moved to North Platte in 1949. Here, she enjoyed volunteering for many organizations and belonged to the Platte Valley Women’s Club and Platte Valley and Nichols Extension Club. She was also a member of the First United Methodist Church.

Pat was an avid traveler, visiting 49 states, Ireland, Australia, and the Caribbean. But it was at home where her grandkids would hear the jingle of wind chimes on her “magic” freezer, meaning Grandma’s goodies were on their way. Pat was a proud supporter of her grandkids’ academics and sports, always attending sporting events to watch her kids and grandkids. She also loved watching the Huskers, especially volleyball.

Pat read the newspaper front to back every day, and could fill in a crossword puzzle like no one’s business. She will live on in the loving memories of her family, for it was her family that Pat put above all else. We’re very thankful to have enjoyed so many good years with her.

She is survived by her children, Kay DeBell, of Broomfield, CO, Tom (Becky) Colvin, of Salt Lake City, UT, Don (Marcia) Colvin, of North Platte, Dick (Linda) Colvin, of St. George, UT, and Karen Todd, of Alliance, NE; grandchildren, Dan (Angela) DeBell, Joe (Renee) DeBell, Erin DiFulvio, Sean Colvin, Erin Colvin, Talia DiFulvio, Hailey Colvin, Rebecca (Jeremy) Murphy, Laura (Bryce) Bornemeier, David (Sarah) Colvin, Melissa (Ward) Prickett, Sarah (Mike) Wittry, Andrea Todd and Michael (fiancée Kay) Todd; and great-grandchildren, Evan, Haley, Colton, Parker, Ryan, Jacob, Sam, Hannah, Grant, Owen, Emerson, and Jackson; sister, Mildred McTiernan, of Denver, CO; sister-in-law, Betty Arnett, of North Platte; and many nieces, nephews and other family.

Pat was preceded in death by her loving husband, Ray; her parents, Ray and Elsie Arnett; son-in-law, Jim DeBell; brother, Charles Arnett; brothers-in-law, Jim McTiernan and Baxter, Bob, and Jim Colvin; and sister-in-law, Ruth Colvin Jesse.

Burial will be 10 a.m. Monday, May 23, 2016, in Fort McPherson National Cemetery followed by a Memorial Service at 11:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Douglas A. Delp officiating.

In keeping with Pat’s wishes, the casket will be closed. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or prior to the service at the church. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials are to the First United Methodist Church, Hershey Education Foundation, Alliance TeamMates or Great Plains Hospice.