Patricia L. Tow, 76, a Markham resident, passed away Monday, Aug. 5, 2019, at St. Joseph Hospital in Tacoma, Washington.

Patricia was born June 25, 1943, to Rolland and Marcella Gilbert in Virginia, Minnesota. The family had stops in the Tacoma and Yakima Valley areas. The family eventually settled in the Spanaway area. There was a lot of horseback riding on the Ft. Lewis Military Reservation with family and friends. Patricia graduated from Bethel High School in 1961.

On April 4, 1964, she married her high school sweetheart, David Tow, in Parkland, Washington. This couple stood together through the good times and the tough times. Together, they were a strong team.

Patricia and David worked together in the family cattle business, first in the Spanaway area and then to a ranch near Vantage, Washington. Her daughter, Denise and son, Bill were born at that time. Patricia and David then moved to the Westport, Washington area and established a commercial fishing business where Patricia was the bookkeeper. Patricia held a number of different jobs including waitressing and working for Washington Crab. Patricia and Dave then started a new business, Harbor Gun and she served as bookkeeper until her death. Patricia also worked for the City of Westport and retired 10 years ago as the Administrative Secretary.

Patricia enjoyed yard work, growing flowers and feeding her hummingbirds. Other important aspects of her life included being the best Seahawks fan ever, cooking and camping. but most of all, she loved her family. Her grandchildren were especially important.

Patricia was preceded in death by her parents, Rolland and Marcella Gilbert. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, David Tow of Markham, Washington, daughter Denise (Jim) Atkinson of Ocosta, Washington, son Bill Tow of Tacoma, Washington, a brother Jon (June) Gilbert of Bonney Lake, Washington and two sisters, Nancy (Doug) Anderson of Clarkston, Washington and Betty Jane Stoner of Markham, Washington, two grandchildren, Bailey Burdick and William Tow Jr. and one great-grandchild, Benelli Novak.

A celebration of life for Patricia will take place on Saturday, Sept. 7, 11 a.m., at the Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, Washington.

Arrangements are entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home.