Patricia Spear passed away on Saturday, January 12, 2013, after a short battle with cancer. She was 85.

Patricia was born in Sheridan on September 16, 1927 to Charlotte Vignes and John Francis Brooder, who was later President of the Bank of Commerce. She attended Stephen's College in Missouri and Montana State University in Bozeman, and graduated from Colorado State University in Fort Collins in 1951 with a degree in Economics. She was a member of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority.

In September 1950, she married Bradford Spear, son of Jessamine Spear and William Victor Johnson of the Rosebud X4 Ranch near Kirby, Montana. After graduating from CSU together, they lived at the Spear-O Ranch in Kirby, where she taught at the local one-room school. Later they moved to the Padlock Ranch, raised four children and traveled the world, visiting six continents. They moved to Sheridan in 1992.

Patricia, Brad and the children were enthusiastic skiers, and founder-members of the Antelope Butte Ski Area. She and Brad put away their downhill and cross-country skis a few years ago. Patricia also loved to hike and picnic with her friends and family in the hills and mountains above the house that she and Brad built in Tongue River Canyon in 1975. She was a keen gardener, bridge player and golfer, and a founder of the Gourmet Club. Her friends and family remember well her gourmet creations and entertaining.

Patricia loved history, especially American Indian history. She had a deep abiding love for the Crow People and for the Yellowtail Clan which had adopted her father. Her knowledge of their art and lore was extensive. Patricia was on the Board of Directors of All American Indian Days.

She was a member of PEO (currently Chapter T) for more than 55 years, and belonged to St Peter's Episcopal Church since her youth. An avid reader, Patricia enjoyed immensely participating in The Book Review Club, which completes its centenary this year. She was on the Board of the Community Concerts Guild and also helped organize the Blood Drive for a number of years.

Patricia was preceded in death by Brad in 2009.

She is survived by her sister, Barbara Wolfe, of Dallas, Texas, and brother, Jon Brooder, of Sausalito, Ca. and her children: Andrea Spear of Geneva, Switzerland, Mary Pat Obermiller (Rod) of Sheridan, Willis Spear (Ann) of Riverton, and Tenley Spear of Billings; grandchildren Seth Gleason and Suzie Gleason (Shawn Anderson) of Sheridan, and Maor Spear Schoell (Torsten) of Berlin, Germany; and great-granddaughters Camdyn and Bristol Anderson.

Private services will be held on Friday.

Memorial donations may be made to the Sheridan Library Foundation, 335 West Alger, Sheridan, Wyoming 82801.

Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

The Sheridan Press - January 17, 2013.