Patricia Ann Theobald

Patricia Ann Theobald, age 74, of Beaver City, Nebraska departed this life on Monday, January 10, 2022 at Phelps Memorial Hospital in Holdrege. She has left a hole in our hearts that won't be filled again until we meet our Creator. She was born in Wray, Colorado on March 6, 1947 to Rex Harrold and Florence Lorraine (Reed) Daniels. She was the first of their three daughters. "Patsy," as her father called her, grew up on a ranch that is about as far northwest in Kansas as you can get. In fact, the tri-state marker was about three miles from the house where she grew up, and the family ranch now encompasses the marker. Pat grew up in the saddle, working with livestock, and knowing what it meant to work and to work hard. She never seemed to complain about the work she did. Even later in life, family members cannot recall a time where she complained about it. She loved the outdoors, and in her youth she and her sisters would trade chores- Pat taking the outside chores while Peggy and Sally did the indoor chores. She remained true to this until the day she died. Pat started first grade in Cheyenne County, Pleasant Hill West 10, a one-room country school. The same teacher taught all eight grades. She attended just one year here, then went to Haigler where she graduated in 1965 as Valedictorian. She attended Kansas Wesleyan for 2 years and transferred to Fort Hays State, where she rodeoed for 1 year. She had dreamed of being a vet, but her father discouraged her from this. Pat was well educated in multiple areas and loved to study, despite not having a college degree. She met her soul mate during flying lessons with Glenn Packard in Imperial, and they went on their first date on October 12, 1968. Just short of six months later, on April 3, 1969, she married Charles Keith Theobald. They lived in Imperial during the week where he taught Industrial Arts. Pat and Keith both had their pilot’s licenses and would fly home to Beaver City every weekend to farm. They officially moved to Beaver City in 1971, renting various houses in or near town. One day Keith told her to draw up a house plan, and she did so on the back of an envelope. They started building their new home, moving in 50 years ago this coming spring. They welcomed their first baby, Travis Daniel Theobald, on February 6, 1974. Sandi Lorraine Theobald joined them on October 12, 1977. Raising her children became the most important job she ever had. Both agree that while they may not have always had everything they wanted, they always had more than they needed. Pat did everything for her family, always putting her needs second to those of her family. She had had many jobs over her nearly 75 years, many of which were volunteer positions. Pat loved to help others. Many can share a personal story of such generosity. If following one’s passion can be called a “job,” her longest role was as leader of the 4-H Horse Club. She did this religiously for 50 years. She loved her horses and would drop about anything to go for a ride. Her second longest service was that of being an EMT, serving in the capacity of EMS Chief for many years. She did this for nearly 30 years, which included many years of being an EMT and CPR instructor as well. She would leave whatever she was doing to go on a call. Even after her health began to decline approximately one year ago, she still responded when able. She was a member of the Nebraska Troop D Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) team. Pat spent at least 10 years as Beaver City Pool Manager, where she enjoyed teaching swimming lessons, lifeguard training and doing water aerobics. Pat grew up attending the Haigler United Methodist Church, and after coming to Beaver City became an active member of the First Presbyterian Church. She and Keith were members of the Presbyterian Mariners for many years. She taught Sunday School at the Presbyterian Church and later at the Wilsonville United Baptist-Christian Church, when Keith became a minister there. Her love for the Lord was evident in both word and deed. Pat drove the school bus both in Imperial and Beaver City. She worked as a locksmith for Edgar Hatheway in Imperial for almost four years. She loved to paint, draw and write, contributing a sports column to the Beaver City Times-Tribune for a few years. Memories of her childhood in northwest Kansas were included in a short story published in the “Sod Houses and The Dirty Thirties” book. Local author Warren Dunlap asked her to draw the cover for his book “Purgatorie Shooting.” Ever humble, she never felt any of her work was "good". Pat was a humble, gracious, and amazing woman of God. She was a true Prayer Warrior. She loved others and would take anyone in as her own. She loved animals, especially her horses. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rex and Florence Daniels; father- and mother-in-law, John and Metta Theobald; and brothers-in-law Kelley Theobald, David Theobald, and Larry Hardenbrook. She is survived by her husband Keith; son Travis (Dolly) Theobald of Beaver City; daughter Sandi (Chad) Longfellow of Ansley; sisters Sally (Dan) Leinen of Haigler, Nebraska, and Peggy (Bill) Deremer of Arvada, Colo.; sister-in-laws Karen Hardenbrook of Beaver City and Pat Theobald of Michigan; brother-in-law Blake (Tere) Theobald of New Mexico; grandchildren Jordyn Vincent, David Theobald, Jett Vincent, Trey Vincent, Ashton, Maisy and Madison Longfellow, and Daniel and Jacy Theobald; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Memorials are suggested to the Beaver City Ambulance, Gideons International, or the Furnas County 4-H Council. Viewing and visitation will be Friday, January, 14, 2022 from 5 PM till 7 PM at Wenburg Funeral Home in Beaver City, Nebraska. Funeral service will be Saturday, January 15, 2022 at 2 PM at Faith Community Church of Beaver City, Nebraska with Travis Theobald, officiating. Interment will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery, of Beaver City. Wenburg Funeral Home of Beaver City is in charge of the arrangements. Condolence and personal reflections may be left at wenburgfuneralhome.com