Patricia Schnarr Obituary

Dear Rich, Caleb, Katy and Laura. We have thought of you and Pat every day since she was taken from us. Although you miss her unlike the rest of us, we as friends all miss her dearly. Knowing Pat for the past 3 years was a special treat. She had a very positive affect on us and all that she met. When we think of Pat there are happy thoughts and an image of her smiling face. She was a good, kind, special person. Pat is one of those so special that she will "live on" in many ways. May the memories comfort you and give you reason to smile.

Richard and family,

We are so saddened to hear of the loss of our friend. We have been thinking of you and all our good times in the past: Couples club with Ralph and Carol, and Ann and Bill; the trip to stay in "your" condo in Frisco, and all those times before you met Pat--but always looking for her, I think. It's too bad we didn't stay in touch better--Pat will surely be missed. Our thoughts are with you.

Vicki and Allen

Pat had such a beautiful spirit, a caring loving heart, a joyful zest for life, always up for a little adventure or mischievious fun. At one time She was almost like a Big sister to my brother and I. Sadly, we drifted apart and eventually lost touch after Tod's death. I'm sure she had to have been a fantastic wife and mother. We were all so lucky to have known Her. I hope she has found that place where the sky is a deep clear blue , the air crisp and perfect powder to ski on.

pat was a great friend had so much fun togather. what a time we had at you guys wedding. take care jeep

Katie and Family,



We remember Pat with laughs and giggles. We spent many hours together in scouting. She will be missed by many. If you or your family need anything, please call on us. In the spirit of scouting, we will be there.

When you meet someone like Pat, you never forget. Lots of memories are left to cherish, from the time we "borrowed" a nice new steel culvert for her driveway, to going to the Black Hills Playhouse with her and Richard for an evening other than at a bar. I vaguely remember their wedding at Nemo Guest ranch cause we all celebrated a little too much. To her children, I need not tell you how special she was. Deepest sympathy Richard,

Stacey & Susan Roselles

To the Schnarr family and friends, It has been years since I have seen Part and Rich, far too long. I received some pictures from them a few years back of a party we had in Central City. It was etched in my mind. The memories we will all have of Pat will stay with us as vividly as if they were yesterday. What a great spirit we all had the honor of knowing. That wonderful spirit will be with us till we are gone as well. Know that my love and prayers go out to all of you at this time. Thanks for the memories Pat and Rich.

I am Patti's youngest sister, Julie. "Only the good die young"... and Patti was definitely a GOOD PERSON. God took her so quickly from our lives, but she is truly in Heaven. It is very sad for us left behind, but I know she is in such a wonderful place now and deserves to be there! She is an inspiration to us all through her love of life, kind spirit, generosity, and beautiful heart. I will miss her so much, but when I am sad, I try to think of her in heaven where she is happy and at peace.

Rich, Caleb, Katelyn, & Laura,

We are so sorry to hear about Pat/your mom. She was such a good friend. We have such fond memories of her. Even though we hadn't seen any of you in years we thought of you often. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time in your lives.

Pat was my idol, my mentor, my 'sister', and my hero. I am blessed and am a better person for having known her. Rich and family, I am thinking of you and praying for you. It would be special if you could all be at the Black Hills memorial.

My thoughts and prayers are for God's comfort and peace to surround and embrace you in this difficult time. I remember Pat so fondly it brings tears to my eyes. Cheers...to memories of the wonderful times we shared together in our Black Hills "Couples Club"...the inspiration of our beloved Pat.

rich we were sick to hear about pat, i hope you will continue to feel what we have prayed for you and your family . god bless love

robyn stoneberger varland

Pat has been my friend for the last 28 years. Gosh, just about like a sister. Here is the text I read at her funeral: I met Pat in 1976 when I had decided that I, as a young married woman, couldn’t afford to keep going to college. I was going to embark on the journey of working for a living. I became a news writer for the local newspaper in Lead, South Dakota. My husband, Ralph jokingly called this local paper the “Kooksville Chronicle.”

One of the first people I met was this really pretty and fun-loving advertising salesgirl, a few years older than me. She was adventuresome that’s for sure! Ralph was duly impressed that she could pick up a chain saw and cut her own fire wood too. She was strong, blond and tall, and could ski like the wind. Her touch of Southern accent and genteel Southern manners melted the hearts of most people she would meet.

A bit reckless, that girl was, but I was drawn to her open love of life, and willingness to try just about anything. She knew how to work hard, but she also knew how to play hard! Ralph had a few reservations when I’d say, “I’m going to spend the afternoon with Pat, bye!”

One of our (repeatable) escapades was the day we disappeared from the paper at lunchtime and didn’t reappear until the civic function I was supposed to cover that evening. We had just capriciously taken the afternoon off to take advantage of that perfect snow on the ski slopes of Terry Peak Boy, was my editor mad!

Our friendship was cemented, however, when Pat suffered the tragic loss of her young husband, Todd, in a car accident. Though Pat’s joy of life could reach the heights of heaven, her grief was just as passionate. Sharing something as intimate as tragedy with her created a life-long bond for all of us. I believe that was the start of Pat’s search for meaning in her life.

Patty had lots and lots of friends in the Black Hills. She was just naturally friendly. That’s why she was great at advertising sales. That’s why she was a great waitress at the Mother Lode Restaurant. She not only had lots of friends, she had all kinds of people as friends. OK, so Ralph might have even called a few of them weird. (You know who you are!) She was just so naturally open. She trusted in the general goodness of mankind. Because she was so good and sweet, she thought everyone else was too.

Friends here say that even though we saw Pat seldom in these later years, when we’d meet, it was like she’d never been gone. The bond of friendship was that strong. Tracy said, “My moments with Pat were never bad, in fact, they were better than best. We always had a (bleep) blast.!” (That’s Tracy).

We were all joyful to see Pat meet Richard and start their married life together, having beautiful children, and sadly moving away. But there is always something good to evolve from sadness. Pat and Richard found what they had been looking for in each other and in their discovery of the Lord’s love for them.

I was happy that they had accepted the gift of Jesus, through God’s grace. This is a faith that will stand Richard, Caleb, Katie and Laura in good stead in the years to come. I’m sure that Pat’s dearest wish is that her loved ones will all know that love of Jesus Christ. She clung to that faith through her marriage relationship, mothering, friendships, and family crises. In fact, she modeled Christ’s love. Not perfectly, of course, but then, He doesn’t ask for that.

I am sure glad that I had the honor and privilege of being a friend of this special soul, Patty Lou Schnarr.



I'm submitting Pat's obituary to the Rapid City Journal. Locals will be having a memoral "gathering" in the coming weeks to celebrate her life. Stay tuned.

Dearest Rich

You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Pat touched our life in a very special way and will always be remembered full of life. May God comfort and craddle you in this tragic time of need. Just know that Pat is with you always. Angels abide.

We were very happy to be friends with Pat. She was a wonderfull person. If there were more caring people, like Pat, in the world it would be a much more loving place. We will miss her greatly. I have sent notices to all three exchange students that we sponsored.

Richard,

No words can express our deep sympathy for you and your family. We are so very sorry to have heard of your great loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Love,

Tracy

Saturday night heaven received another angel. I will miss Pat's humor, her love of life and especially her hugs when I come to visit. She will be lovingly remembered by her extended family. We were so blessed to have this beautiful spirit in our lives.

I had the wonderful opportunity of knowing, as we called her Patti in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Patti and I attended Central High School and were active Girl Scouts. She was alot of fun, had a great laugh and wonderful sense of humor. My heartfelt prayers go out to her family. I loved Patti.

Richard! I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved. It is hard on this side of the veil of tears - and the tears are plentiful. There will be a day, not of our knowing, when they will all be wiped away. Be strong, ponder the blessings of Patricia's love, and love those who need you.



Tom Roel

Rich -

Our most hearfelt sympathy to you and your family at this tragic time. Your in our thoughts and prayers.

Woody, Etha & family

Pat was so fun and full of life. She'll be missed by so many. I was blessed when i was able to spend a monday night with her and her friends to enjoy a nice game of bunco. Her and her family are in my prayers. The best goes out to them!

Pat was a wonderful lady. I have never seen her having any sad moment. I miss her laugh and her kindness. I miss our conversations. My heart goes to the Schnarr family.

I have only known Pat for a short time, our daughters attend high school and played volleyball together. We also carpooled for our girls to games and other functions. This is a great loss for all of us. Pat was a very compationate, giving, and fun loving person. My deapest sympathy to her family and friends.

My prayers to the Schnarr family -- she will be with you forever in spirit and only a whisper away -- I will miss her smiling face at the Palmer IB functions -- may God bless you all -- Janet

What a precious, encouraging, fun, beautiful friend. I only have very fond memories of Pat. I will and already do miss her dearly. I'm so thankful for the times God allowed us to share together. Rich, my prayers are with you and the children.

Pat was a great friend. My heart and prayers go out to Richard, Caleb, Katelyn, and Laura.