Patricia "Pati" Ann Mest

Pati passed away June 26, 2023, at Sky Lakes Medical Center surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on September 5, 1957, to Doris and Clifford Lindenburger in Klamath Falls, Oregon. She came from a large family with six brothers, one sister, and one bonus sister. After the death of her first husband, Doris remarried William Williams Jr., whom Pati wholeheartedly and lovingly called, “Dad” the rest of her life. After attending Sacred Heart High School, she met Robert Frederick Mest Jr., and they were wed on January 5, 1980, with their marriage lasting 43 years as lifelong residents of Klamath Falls. Pati became a mother when Casey Robert Mest was born October 1980 and again when Kelley Elizabeth Mest was born August 1982. As Pati’s children were growing up, Pati was an active and proud mother who devoted her time and attention to her children’s activities, schools, sports, and interests. Her children always felt supported, nurtured, loved, and protected by Pati during their childhood.

Pati’s son, Casey married Diane Louise Gravelle in 2007, and V “Lauren” Mest born was born in 2010. Pati’s daughter, Kelley married Ryan Stanley Ross in 2006, and have two children: Lucy Anne Ross born in 2009, and Rustan Robert Ross born in 2012. Pati delighted in becoming “Nana” to her three grandchildren; some would say becoming a “Nana” became one of her greatest joys in life. Pati devoted large spaces in her home to creating magical memories for her grandchildren to explore, create, and make messes. Tea parties, spa-days, costume shows, and crafts were a regular occurrence at Nana’s house. Mudpies, puddle stomping, running through sprinklers, cookie decorating, and bubble baths are special memories highlighted in the photos of the times spent at Nana’s house. If there was a toy, Nana most definitely had three of them waiting for the perfect moment to play with her grandkids.

Throughout her lifetime, Pati built diverse relationships with individuals through her industrious spirit. She worked full-time the majority of her life, having finally retired in the spring of 2022 with her husband. Pati has expressed that her time as a Buyer at All Season Sports was the most fulfilling of her career life; with her time spent at South Valley State Bank being a close second. During her working years, Pati used her exceptional social and networking skills fundraising with the professionals, businesses, and benefactors throughout Oregon and Klamath County. Pati was a philanthropist to her core, and she thrived in her volunteerism. Her role as the Co-Executive Director of the Miss Klamath County Scholarship Program gave her life an immense sense of purpose, and she found great joy in remembering and sharing about experiences from the decade plus she spent on the Board of Directors. The relationships she made during that time filled her heart, and she surrounded her home with mementos and photographs of these friends because they were a large part of who she was.

Pati excelled at whatever she set her mind to doing creatively because she had the hands, mind, and eye of an artist. She had incredible skill in knitting, gardening, beading, sewing, and decorating. People remember her for this, and often use the word, “talented” to describe her artistry. She had a craft room with a Dewey decimal system and her craft room resembled an entire Joann Fabric; if you needed a crafting tool, Pati owned one. Her home was decorated with flare, and because she loved to re-decorate her space, her home constantly changed and evolved. In her younger years, Pati loved to host events and parties at her home and prided herself in her attention to detail. Pati’s Christmas trees and décor were a sight to see, her family never knew what Christmas magic she had in store each year. She was known for giving elaborate, over-the-top gifts and her family and friends were always spoiled by her generosity.

Pati’s sense of fashion was unique, loud, eclectic, and unapologetically her. She was not scared to make a statement with fashion, especially with her jewelry. From her bright, large, and colorful statement pieces to her favorite silver, gold, and jewels; wherever Pati went, she was easily noticed. While she was colorful to look at, and she was also colorful to know. Laughter and energy followed her, and her nickname was “ChattiAnn” because she also had the gift of gab. Pati was also a great listener, and when someone needed her for support, she was also generous in that regard. Pati’s energy was infectious because she was fun, loyal, kind, and loving; she had big feelings and when she loved, cared, or defended anything; she did so deeply.

Pati loved her husband, Bob with a ferocity, and her love for him was evident to those who knew her. Bob would take her on cruises, vacations to Mexico, and adventures on his Harley motorcycle. They would take their grandchildren on long camping trips, and every summer the couple would invite their grandchildren to stay for a week or two. They belonged to a social club at the Leatherneck for over 20 years, and they would host large dinners and fundraisers for those in need. Pati and Bob have also nurtured mutual friendships with couples that reach back over forty years which have withstood the test of time. The friendships they made early in their marriage were relationships Pati revered as sacred and special.

For all that knew Pati, hearing of her unexpected passing undoubtedly felt as though a cloud blocked out the sunlight because Pati was a ray of light to so many. She was a warm breeze, an ice-cold drink on a hot day, and a hug for your soul. She left us all far too soon, but what she left us with are most assuredly memories of the remarkable woman Pati was because she was one-of-a-kind.

There will be a celebration near the end of August or early September, at a place yet to be determined. We ask that you please come wearing color to celebrate such a colorful woman. Be fearless, be unique, and be eclectic as you dress for her celebration. If you ask yourself, “is this too much?” Remind yourself, that “too much,” was Pati’s goal when it came to fashion. Let’s delight her, let’s honor her, and let us celebrate the remarkable woman Pati Mest was.

Our family would love it if you would share photographs of Pati to be included in a slideshow.

Please mail, email or text them to Kelley:

Kelley Ross

5216 Southbend Dr, SE

Salem, Oregon 97306

(971)563-2536

Kmom06@comcast.net