Patricia Ann Pat Kilts 82, of rural Joseph, died March 11, 2011.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 17, at Bollman Funeral Home in Enterprise.

She was born to Joseph and Ella Torrence in Reading, Kan.

She and William Gary Kilts were married in 1975, farming on the Royal Slope near Othello, Wash., before moving to their ranch in the Wallowa valley in 1978.

She earned a bachelors degree in physical education and teaching from Colorado State University as a single mother.

She was a Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association Gold Card holder for more than 50 years and was best known for her professional trick riding and trick roping. She performed all across America, including Madison Square Garden and Radio City Music Hall in New York, N.Y., as well as Chief Joseph Days (in 1952 and 1953), and many other rodeos. She was featured in such national publications as Life magazine and Western Horseman.

She loved the outdoors, life on the ranch with her husband, and especially the care of livestock. She was known as a compassionate and caring person, according to family members. 

She is survived by her husband of 36 years, Gary Kilts; daughters Carolyn Fesler and Debbie Bobbitt of Joseph; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. She is also survived by sister Mary Beth Boyd of Pueblo, Colo.; sister-in-law Mrs. Robert Torrence of Topeka, Kan.; and nieces and nephews whom she loved like her own children. 

Flowers or memorial contributions can be given at Bollman Funeral Home, 315 W. Main St., P.O. Box 547, Enterprise, OR 97828.