PATRICIA LORRAINE LEONARD-HILL

Patricia Lorraine Leonard-Hill was born on March 26, 1938 in Hugo, Colorado to Edward and Gladys Clodfelter Sherman.

She grew up a farm girl, learning the skills of life as she cared for her brother and sister, farmed with her dad, harvested and canned with her mom, only to take on the big step of building a home of her own at the age of 15.

She and her husband, Gwendal, raised six children and influenced many others through 4-H leadership (25 years as general leaders), teaching square dancing, hosting foreign exchange students, foster parenting, and joining in with many community clubs and activities.

She was part of the Lamplighters who took on the projects of getting a park built in the small town of Karval, and introduced the Memorial Day flag honoring program at the two local cemeteries, which will celebrate it's 29th anniversary this Memorial Day.

She was involved in the Extension Homemakers/FCE clubs for years on end, serving as state officer many times.

She was part of the Lincoln County Cattlewomen's organization, and served in the Lions Club alongside both husbands.

She cooked many a meal for her family, and just as many for others. Her hot homemade bread with butter and sliced onions was a treat no one could resist.

She had a knack for making the best cream pies, and was often asked if she'd brought her coconut cream.

She became a postal clerk at the age of 15, moving into the postmaster position before retiring at the age of 55, celebrating 40 years of service to the USPS.

After retiring, she went to cosmetology school in Colorado Springs, attending classes both night and day so she could get her license in half the time. She opened up her "Country-Hair" shop in her home, hoping to build her business and enjoy retirement with Gwendal. But that was short lived.

She became a widow at the age of 57, way too young in her book. Six years later she married Homer Hill, gaining more family and building another home together (literally) while enjoying travel and such.

All in all she lived the married life for more than 63 years of her life! After losing Homer, she moved back home to Karval where she enjoyed being back with family.

She was a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother, aunt, sister, wife, cousin, and friend; and became well-known as "the lady with the pink hair.”

On Friday morning, May 2 at the age of 87, she suffered a devastating stroke and took her last breath on earth at 5:05 pm on 5/5/2025.

With all those "5s" we thought we should have bought a lottery ticket or at least played a round of Yahtzee. 

She will be definitely missed by all of her family and friends.

Patricia is survived by her children: Leon (Linda) Leonard of Ordway, CO,  Larry (Cindy) Leonard of Karval, CO, Enola Leonard of Karval, CO, Carlos (Michelle) Leonard of Hugo, CO and Patrick Leonard of Karval, CO as well as 16 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren and one sister Ruth (Guy) Simone of California. 

Funeral services were held on Monday May 12, 2025 at the New Day Community Church of the Nazarene in Karval with burial in the Bucklen Cemetery in Karval. 

Friends and family can register online condolences and sign the guestbook at wwwbrownfuneraldirectors.com.  Visitation and funeral services were entrusted to the care of the Brown Funeral Home in Hugo.