Dorothy Pedigo Obituary

Dorothy Jean Beaver Pedigo, lovingly known as "Pat" and "Patty", went to be with the Lord and join her loved ones on June 30, 2025. She was born on February 19, 1931, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Charles O. and Beulah Byrd Beaver (née Cadwallader).

She graduated from Franklin High School and later attended business school. Her first job was as a PBX operator, and she continued to work in the clerical field throughout her life, always with diligence and a bright spirit.

In October 1951, Pat met her husband, Jim Pedigo, who was stationed in Indiana, at a USO dance. They were married on February 9, 1952, in Franklin Indiana and began a life of adventure together. As a devoted wife and homemaker to a career military man, Pat loved to travel and spent many memorable years living in several states in the U.S. and in Germany twice where they brought home a baby both times. Together they raised two children, James and Valerie, who she loved very much.

Pat was a woman of remarkable resilience. Though she experienced hardships early in life she never let them define her. After the loss of her mother at a very young age, Pat and her eight siblings were separated, yet she and her sister Ruth found love and stability with their foster parents, Mother and Daddy Harmon (who affectionately called her “Pete”). She spoke often and fondly of the Harmon family, cherishing the warmth and care they gave her. In one of the most beautiful chapters of her life Pat and her siblings stayed connected thanks to the determined efforts of her oldest brother Paul, a story she loved to tell.

Everyone who knew Pat would describe her as a lifelong Christian woman who was loving and kind, with a heart of gold, and had the sweetest smile. She loved taking pictures and filled countless photo albums with memories of her beloved family and friends. She also enjoyed visiting with people, whether family, friends, or strangers soon to become friends. She had an extraordinary memory, never forgetting a name, birthday, anniversary, or story, and was known for sending thoughtful cards for every special occasion.

After her husband’s passing, she made her home in La Junta and found a loving and supportive community and a welcoming church family at the First Southern Baptist Church. Among the dear friends she made were Diane Unzueta who became a part of the family and took such loving care of her for many years, Wilma Collins whose faithful visits meant so much, and Marlene Miller who brought joy reading to her often.

Pat is survived by her son, James (Cheryl) Pedigo, and daughter, Valerie (Keith) Manweiler, her grandchildren, Megan (Kevin) Miles, Dustin (Rachel) Pedigo, Ashley (Andrew) Schroeder, Danielle (Adam) Schafer, Jenna McKinley, 7 great-grandchildren, and a loving extended family of nieces, nephews, and friends who will continue to cherish her memory. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Beulah Beaver, her husband, Jim Pedigo, and all her siblings.

A service honoring Pat’s life and faith will be held on Friday, July, 18, 2025 at 10 a.m. at First Southern Baptist Church, La Junta, Colorado. Following the service interment will take place at 12:30 p.m. at Ft. Lyon National Cemetery, Las Animas, Colorado.

Pat was a charitable person and would have been honored for memorial contributions to be made in her memory to Ark Valley Hospice, La Junta, First Southern Baptist Church, La Junta, or to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

Online condolences may be made at www.PeacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.