Patricia Ann Fife
Patricia Ann Fife of Bothell, Washington died peacefully on May 7, 2022 at the age of 82, but her larger-than-life personality and trademark stubbornness will not be forgotten.
She was born in Seattle, on April 23, 1940 to Bill and Virginia Goplen–followed by 2 beloved brothers Paul Goplen and Michael Goplen. They lived near Green Lake, moving to Lake City in the early 50’s. She attended Lincoln High School.
During the early years with first husband Russell Geidl, Pat lived in Cle Elum, Lester and Mountlake Terrace, finally settling in Bothell where she raised her family with Russ and later with second husband, Harold Fife.
Pat was an Amazon–tall in stature, red-haired and strong-willed. Known to many as “Big Red,” Pat loved being a mom to her daughters Karla, Kelley and Kim, who she encouraged to be strong, self-reliant and true to their authentic selves, and she adored her grand-children, Nicholas, Alex and Devin and great-grandson Murdock. Although a no-nonsense parent, Big Red was also a fun-loving mom and grandma. She would occasionally play “hooky” with her daughters on a random school day, treating them to a picnic at Green Lake, or a movie matinee
Finding artistic expression designing and creating gifts for family and friends, Pat would sew or embroider clothes or other items which reflected the unique interests of the recipients. She also decorated her entire house for every holiday, requiring a shed to house the decor until the proper season.
Pat enjoyed her many years working as a clerk for the Burlington Northern Railroad.
She despised tomatoes, dirty windows, pine needles in her driveway and for some unknown reason Kathie Lee Gifford.
Big Red had a knack for telling it like it is. She was a connoisseur of cold Pepsi, Uno bars, Cola Slurpees, chicken nuggets and runny strawberry milkshakes from Kidd Valley. She enjoyed movies, crossword puzzles, watching the birds in her yard and her sweet little dog Dixie.
Feisty and playful until the end, Pat will be missed by all who knew her. Deep gratitude to all Pat’s helpers in her final years.
A Celebration of Life will be planned at a later date.
The post first appeared on Barton Family Funeral Service.