Mrs. Patsy Henderson

January 14, 2022

Patsy Lynn Henderson passed on Jan 14th, 2022 at the age of 72 peacefully of natural causes. Born to Bud & Betty Gillow on Dec 14th, 1949 as the oldest of 5 children. She married Bruce Alan Henderson on Sept 23rd 1969 also giving birth to 5 children. She moved to the Okanogan Valley in the spring of 1979 to homestead with her young family. Without any modern conveniences, she built a small log cabin with her husband, and they farmed, gardened, canned, and raised small farm animals to feed and care for the family. She also attended college to earn her nursing degree while living with her family like "Little House on the Prairie". She inspired others with her strength and quiet steadfast example over the years as she dealt with life's challenges. First, with the loss of her youngest daughter at age 4, then surviving a tragic car accident, followed by the loss of both her husband and her father in a short period of time, leaving her to raise 4 young teenagers by herself. She persevered through it all eventually celebrating the marriages of all 4 of her children and welcoming 15 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren into her family. Family was very important to her and she was always there whenever any of us needed her. Patsy lived a life dedicated to service. She always volunteered at her church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She taught numerous Sunday school classes & seminary students, and participated in scripture study group touching the lives of many people both young and old over the years. In 2000-2001, she served a senior mission to Ecuador, and that experience brought her great joy. Most recently she served as the Stake Singles Adult Representative organizing activities and events for all the single members. She also served her community by volunteering in numerous ways. Red Cross, Okanogan Food Bank, North Central Library, Days for Girls Charities, Apple Arts Camp, OVAC Orchestra & Chorus Stage Productions, Junior Summer Theater, 2HOTT Recreational Tumbling, and likely many more organizations benefitted from her hours of generosity. Most recently, she discovered that she enjoyed Trapeze Yoga with her daughter Gerien, and decided to pursue a certification as a "Senior Fitness Instructor". She had begun teaching a small class of students age 60-80, and wanted to inspire others to "play like children to maintain their health and mobility for independent living". Hobbies included sewing, crocheting, reading, crafting with friends, driving her convertible with the top down, taking numerous friends on mountian adventures in her side-by-side, vacationing on the "Penny Memory Tours" with her mom and sisters, and offering a helping hand to anyone in need. She was preceeded in death by her parents Bud & Betty Gillow, her sister Vickie, her brother Dennis, her husband Bruce, her daughter Suzanne, and her granddaughter Faith. She is survived by 4 children, Gerien Gilman, Phillip Henderson, Scott Henderson, Sarah Deford, their 4 spouses, 14 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, and 2 sisters Katie & Bonnye. She was laid to rest in a graveside service on Jan 20th, 2022 at 11am at Okanogan Valley Memorial Gardens between her beloved husband and sweet daughter. Her Celebration of Life will be held on Feb 5th 10am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Omak, WA and is open to all. Please patronize A Cut Above if you wish to purchase flowers and plants. Her love of life, adventure, laughter, friendship, and servitude will live on in her friends and family and the many many lives she touched with her smiles.