Patricia Kathleen (Ryan) Sims, age 66 of Winnemucca, Nevada passed away peacefully at home on November 2, 2017 after a long and debilitating bout with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
Patti was born and raised in Chadron, Nebraska. She was born on January 11, 1951, the first child of Charles and Shirley Ryan of Chadron, Nebraska. She was followed by six brothers, John, Mike, Bob, Bill, Tom, and Jim, and her beloved little sister Janice. Growing up as the oldest child in this large family instilled a strong spirit, fierce independence, and deep sense of loyalty in Patti.
Patti was known for her sense of humor, her infectious laughter, and her outgoing personality. She loved nothing more than having fun and a good laugh. Patti loved sports, participating in track and volleyball when she was young, coaching and managing little league baseball, softball & basketball, and later in life playing golf, slow pitch softball, team bowling, and joining her friends to participate in fantasy football. She was also a talented crafter enjoying sewing, ceramics, tole painting, batik, needlework, crochet, and knitting.
Patti married Bill Sims on July 22, 1972, the start of a 45 years long relationship. Patti accompanied Bill to Rapid City, South Dakota where she worked to support Bill as he completed his education. Patti and Bill then lived in Casper & Glenrock, Wyoming and moved to Winnemucca with their three kids in 1990.
Patti's greatest accomplishments came as a Mother. Her three children, Ryan, Susan, and Sara were all cherished, loved, protected, trained, and educated with the same loyalty and fierce sense of protection that only a mom can provide. Her efforts will be long reflected in the integrity, compassion, and intelligence reflected in her children and grandchildren.
Patti was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Mike.
She is survived by her husband Bill of Winnemucca, her three children Ryan, Susan, and Sara, and her dear three young grandsons, Benny, Bodie, and Eddie, all of Reno.
Bill and the Family wish to thank the doctors, nurses, EMT crews, and staff at Humboldt General Hospital for the compassionate care they provided the several times she was hospitalized during the last few years. Gratitude and thanks also to Dr. Leonard Perkinson of Winnemucca and Dr. Chad Bidart of Reno for the care and concern they have provided Patti.
The family is planning no formal funeral or remembrance, but they will host a wake in Patti's honor at 7:00 PM on Friday night at the Martin Hotel in Winnemucca. Plans are in the works to spread her ashes on her brother John's ranch (her grandparents homestead) in Dawes County Nebraska in the spring.
In lieu of any flowers, food, or assistance, please make a donation to the Winnemucca Boys and Girls Club on Patti's behalf.
