Estherlene J. Patz, 90, of Sheridan passed away on Tuesday, November 9, 2010 at Memorial Hospital of Sheridan.

Estherlene “Lena” Patz was born to Concetta Amarosa and Frank Otterino Madia on Easter Sunday, April 4, 1920, in Kleenburn, Wyoming.

As a young woman she worked as a teacher at the Wagner School in Acme and at the Murphy Gulch schools, and also as a receptionist for Dr. Frackleton. In later years she worked for Dr. Pettit.

She married Frank Patz on June 15, 1941 at the St. Thomas Church in Monarch, Wyoming.

During World War II, Lena, her sister Rose Marie, and brother Selwyn produced a newsletter which they sent out to servicemen from Monarch.

Over the years, Frank’s 27 year Army career took her to live in many states as well as Japan, Italy, and Germany. She and her family returned to Sheridan in 1970.

She enjoyed keeping in contact with her friends from the military.

She was a wonderful cook and hostess.

She was an active member of Holy Name Catholic Church as well as the Holy Name St. Frances Council of Catholic Women.

She loved her family and friends and treasured spending time with her grandchildren.

Lena was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, a sister and her husband, Frank.

She is survived by her three children; Fred Patz of Sheridan, Wyoming; Greg Patz (Deanna) of Juneau, Alaska; and Laura Crawford (Harold H.) of Buffalo, Wyoming; her sister Rose Marie Madia of Sheridan, Wyoming; seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Visitation for Lena will be at Kane Funeral Home on Thursday, November 11, 2011, at 6:00 pm with Christian Wake Service Services at 7:00 pm, with Father Ron Stolcis officiating. Services will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, November 12, 2010, at Holy Name Catholic Church with Father Ron Stolcis officiating, internment will be held in the Sheridan Elks Cemetery, with a reception to follow at the Knights of Columbus, 301 E. Brundage, Sheridan, Wyoming.

Memorials to honor Lena may be made to the Holy Name School Foundation, Box 6611,Sheridan, WY, 82801. Sheridan County Fulmer Public Library, 335 W. Alger, Sheridan, WY 82801, and the Sheridan Senior Citizen’s Center, 211 Smith St., Sheridan, WY 82801.

Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

The Sheridan Press - November 11, 2010.