Patricia Lavon Musgrove, age 70, passed away in the Regional Hospital in Rapid City, SD, on July 24, 2015. She spent her last week hospitalized due to a sudden, acute infection that couldn't be overcome in her frail and tired body.

She was born to Paul and Vera Musgrove on August 22, 1944, in Oklahoma City, OK. Patricia is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, David and Elaine Musgrove of Belle Fourche, SD; and by her sister and brother-in-law, Pearl and Hank Burkhardt of Port Angeles, WA. She has a number of loving nieces and nephews of two generations. Patricia was preceded in death by her parents.

She lived in Oklahoma until 1989, when her mother and she moved to New Mexico to accompany Pearl who was suffering with health problems. In 1991, they all moved to Sequim, WA, at the same time as Dave's family. When Pearl married Hank in 1998 they found a duplex home where Vera and Patricia could live with them in Port Angeles, WA. She remained in that home until 2011 when she joined Dave and Elaine in South Dakota after Hank and Pearl were residing in Ecuador. Most of her last two years were spent in Garden Hills Assisted Living in Spearfish, SD.

Patricia was a survivor, an overcomer of the odds against her. At the age of five she had a severe case of measles with high fever, and resulting encephalitis. She spent three months in the hospital before being discharged in a greatly impaired condition. She received therapy at home and relearned how to walk and talk. She was able to attend school to the eighth grade. Her weakened ankles from the illness caused even greater mobility challenges and frequent falls as she grew older.

At the age of 17 Patricia made her choice to serve the Lord. She faithfully read her Bible daily and prayed to God for strength to make it through life's struggles. She attended fellowship meetings as long as she was able. In latter years she often mentioned that she had enjoyed reading some verses in John 15 about abiding in the Vine, which is Christ.

She enjoyed reading children's stories and working word puzzles, and always had some needlework project going. When it was time to freeze or can at harvest time, she was ready to help. She loved interacting with people, and the family appreciates all of her friends who gave time to visit with her by phone. She faithfully wrote letters to the very end of life.

When Pearl was going through nurse's training, she commented that she, too, had wanted to be a nurse. Her desire came to pass to a degree when she lived in the home with her brother-in-law, Hank, who is quadriplegic due to MS. For over ten years, Pearl didn't have to hire any caregivers because Patty could meet his simple needs of eating, drinking, turning pages, and standing by his side when Pearl was needed to serve as family nurse to others or to do errands. They feel they couldn't have made it without her help.

Exactly one month ago, Hank and Pearl drove to Spearfish to visit Patricia. It was three years since they had seen her, and they were comforted by her total acceptance of her lot. They had quality time together, more precious than ever now, not knowing how perfect God's timing would be. They are unable to make the journey now, but wish to express sincere thanks to Dave and Elaine, and to all who have been a support to Patricia.

Visitation will be Thursday, July 30 from 8:00 a.m. until service time at Kinkade Funeral Chapel.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 30, 2015, at 9:30 a.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow at the Whitewood Cemetery.

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