Patsy Del Scoffield; July 24th, 1927 - August 8th, 2011

Patsy Del Scoffield, 84, of Three Forks passed away quietly on August 8^th, 2011 at Spring Creek Inn in Bozeman, MT.

Patsy was born July 24th, 1927 in Bountiful, Utah to loving parents Walter and Blanche Moss. The youngest of four sisters and two brothers she was raised in Woods Cross, UT.

Patsy was adored as a child for her auburn hair, blue eyes, and determination to do anything her older siblings could do.

During World War II, while her brothers served in the military, Patsy worked side by side with her father to run the family dairy business.

During high school Patsy met the man she would share her life with. She asked the farm boy Don Scoffield to a girl’s choice dance and their life together began.  

You can bet Grandpa was pinching her!

She and Don were married on October 23rd, 1946 in the Salt Lake City Temple. Soon after, they moved from Utah to Montana. An opportunity arose to run a ranch in Three Forks in 1951.

They seized the chance and soon purchased the ranch as their own. Together they worked the land and raised a tight knit family on the Scoffield Ranch.

Pat’s abilities matched the demands of farm and ranch work. No one disputes her work ethic as a key ingredient in the ranch’s success over the years. Don and Pat farmed, raised cattle, and enjoyed owning race horses for over 50 years until Don passed away on September 20th, 2010.

 Patsy enjoyed many hobbies like gardening and bowling. She cherished her four children; 2 sons, Ralph and George, and 2 daughters, Sandra and Bonnie. She was also a proud grandmother to 17 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. She spent many years attending athletic games, concerts, and important religious services to support each one.

As a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Patsy served her Three Forks congregation in many capacities and played an important role in its establishment during the 1950s. She loved the Gospel of Jesus Christ and was always willing to cook meals, teach lessons, lead music, befriend new members, and serve the community.

Patsy was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Don; her parents, Walter and Blanche Moss; one brother, one sister, and one granddaughter, Amber Dawn Foy.

She is survived by her four children, Ralph (Elna) of Three Forks, Sandra (Dave) Gaskin of Bozeman, Bonnie (Clay) Foy of Spanish Fork, Utah, and George (Janet) of Three Forks; as well as 16 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She is also survived by two sisters, one brother, and many nieces and nephews.

Patsy will be remembered as a strong and energetic woman committed to her family, friends, and faith. Losing her at this time leaves a void in the hearts of many; A void that is softened by her life beautifully lived and the faith that her journey continues where we will one day join her.

Sweet condolences

It's been almost four months since Grandpa passed away. In the days, weeks, and months since, our family has been shown love and support in the form of visits, phone calls, letters, emails... Among the sweetest of condolences have been stories about Grandpa and how he touched the lives of so many around him on a personal level. Many members of our family, including myself, had little to no idea of the genuine friend that Don Scoffield was to so many. Learning more about his acts of love and service, that were done without show, have affected me deeply as I strive to honor my Grandpa's memory by trying to be that kind of family member and friend. Don's daughters wanted to include the following letters received that were a great comfort to our family. We appreciate everyone who has shared their love and condolences.

Duck Creek

21 September, 2010

Dear Mrs. Scoffield and Family,

I am deeply sorrowed at the loss of Don.  It is not appropriate, probably, that you should hear of the many reasons I so cherish my memories of his mind and the fruit it flourished.  There is no way a card might suffice.

The brief opportunities I had to experience the pleasure of his fertile and wide ranging insights are the memories.  I am at the threshold of nine decades.  I have lived in nearly 40 states and more than a few foreign countries.  During this time I obviously encountered quite a few folks but not one I might think was adequate to compete with the inimitable Don.  It leaves an unfilled space.

I am indeed as sorry about his departure as I can be.

May God touch your shoulder each day as a help in softening the loss.

Fred Randolph

Sharing Him

25 Sept 2010

Dearest Scoffield Family,

    I went to the funeral celebration today with fear & trepidation that I would fall apart & not control my deep feelings for Don & all the family.  But I found myself with a huge sense of peace, and a profound testimony of the Atonement of Christ.  I know, deep in my soul, that Don is alive with Christ and family & friends that have gone on before him.

    I have deep sorrow for all of those, including myself, who are left to fight our battles here.  But I am a better person for knowing Don.  I thought that I was really special to him.  In reality, everyone was and is special to him.  He helped so many of us.  

Thank you for sharing him.

Love,

Cathy