Patricia ‘Pat’ Arlene Coleman

Patricia “Pat” Arlene Coleman, 75, of Bay City, Grays Harbor passed away on Tuesday morning, April 7, 2026. She died peacefully.

Born on Oct. 13, 1950, in Litchfield, Illinois to parents, Warren and Betty Wood. Pat graduated from Litchfield High School in 1968. A few years after graduation, she moved to Colorado with her then husband John. This is where her two sons, JJ and Kane, were born. In 1993, she met her soulmate and best friend, Suzanne Chapin. The couple moved to Denver/Aurora, Colorado and later to Washington state to be near the ocean. Pat discovered her greatest gift of being a school bus driver with the Rangely then the Cherrt Creek and finally the Ocosta School Districts. She felt honored to care for the children she drove. She had a disciplined bus but treated each child fairly on her route. She cared for their safety and they loved her for it.

Pat and Suzanne committed their lives to each other in 2005, and in 2013 their marriage was officially recognized in the state of Washington — Pat belonged to the Elkettes and Women of the Moose, she also held a strong faith as a devoted Christian. She loved to garden, a passion she shared with Suzanne. Pat was known as a true “baby whisperer,” able to calm and comfort any child. She was an exceptional cook who perfected the art of preparing salmon. Pat loved road trips with Suzanne, traveling to Utah and Colorado to visit family, as well as taking memorable trips to New Mexico, Mexico, and Canada for fun and relaxation. She especially cherished the beauty of Utah and Colorado, with Lake Powell holding a special place in her heart. Pat enjoyed working with her hands and had many projects. She was deeply devoted to her wife, her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Anyone that had the opportunity to get to know her, absolutely adored her.

Pat is preceded in death by her parents; Warren and Betty, her brother, Paul, and sister-in-law, Sharon.

Pat is survived by her wife of 33 years, Suzanne who resides in the family home; her sons, JJ (Renee) Coleman of Grand Junction, Colorado; and Kane (Sherry) Coleman, of Dinosaur, Colorado; her bonus daughter, Megan (Matt) Thompson of Liberty, Texas; a brother, Michael Wood, of Litchfield, Illinois; a sister, Peg Helfrich of Springfield, Ohio. There are 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren who will miss her forever. Pat leaves behind many extended family and friends who loved her deeply.

A committal service will be held at Calvary Cemetery at a later date. Please take a moment to share your memories or notes of condolence for the family at www.fernhillfuneral.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, Washington.