Patricia Jean Rose Mohr Zumalt

Patricia Jean Rose Mohr Zumalt, 86 of Cottonwood, CA passed away at her home on Aug 11, 2010. Patricia was born on the Mohr Ranch in Hooker, CA on May 8, 1924. She was one of seven children born to Albert and Mary Jane Stavig Mohr. She married her lifelong companion, George Alfred "Mike" Zumalt on Dec 26, 1941 in Reno, Nevada. "Pat and Mike" established their home in Gerber, CA when Mike returned home in 1945 from 3 years military service in the South Pacific. "Pat and Mike" had been happily married for over 68 years when Mike passed away this last January.

Patricia is survived by her three children: Michael (Linda) Zumalt of Carmichael, CA, Jeannie Zumalt and Jeremy (Monteca) Zumalt both of Cottonwood, CA; 7 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; a brother (Bruce Mohr) and 2 sisters (Merle Dene Markgraf and Belva Hendricks). Her parents and 3 sisters (Eloise Mohr, Marjorie Ward, and Arlene Parrish) all predecease her.

Patricia started her schooling in the one room Hooker Elementary School with Mrs. Ester Anderson as her teacher. She and her siblings walked the mile to and from school every day. Patricia did so well in her studies that she skipped a grade and entered Red Bluff High School a year early. She graduated from Red Bluff in 1941 and was married in December of that year.

Patricia was the ultimate homemaker. Raising her children, caring for the home, and managing the finances for over 60 years. She enjoyed oil painting and watercolors, antique and secondhand stores, and most important, she had a love of books from the time she could read. She was so happy when she found a good book and had a few minutes to read it.

Patricia's husband, Mike, suffered a devastating stroke in the summer of 1997 resulting in paralysis on his right side and loss of speech. Patricia stubbornly insisted on keeping him in the family home, serving as primary caregiver for 12 years. She slowly sacrificed her own health for the love and care of her husband until she suffered her own stroke in June 2009. Ironically, her own stroke rendered her paralyzed on the right side and without the ability to speak. For 6 months, "Pat and Mike" communicated with an eloquent language developed through almost 70 years of love and understood only by them.

Patricia was the rock and foundation of our family. Each of us knew that her constant, unfailing love and devotion was always available whether we wanted it or not. We were always comforted in hard and difficult times because we knew that her prayers for us were constantly being lifted up to God. She was the perfect example of a Godly woman, teaching her children and grandchildren the importance of God's Word and faith in Jesus Christ. We were so blessed to have her as a mother, grandmother, great grandmother and most importantly "best friend". We will miss her tremendously but rejoice that she is freed from her broken body to soar with loved ones in heaven. We as a family can only echo the words from Matthew 25: "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Graveside services will be at 1:00 PM, Tuesday, Aug 31 at the Tehama Cemetery.

Written by Michael Zumalt