Thelma Jean Patton, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, businesswoman, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 7, 2026, at the age of 93.

Thelma was born on October 28, 1932, in Tobe, Colorado, to Elmer David Donovan and Rose Ella (Zella) Millikan Donovan. She was the youngest of four children and spent her early years during the Dust Bowl era on the plains of southeastern Colorado near Kim. In 1937, her family moved to Montezuma County, Colorado, where she grew up helping on the family farm and attending rural one-room schools.

The hardships and self-sufficiency of farm life helped shape the strong character for which Thelma would be known throughout her life. She often shared memories of walking to school through deep winter snow, helping on the farm, and living from the bounty of the family's gardens, dairy cows, chickens, and home-preserved foods.

At age fourteen, while attending church camp, Thelma accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior, beginning a lifelong journey of faith. She remained active in church throughout her life, serving on committees, teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir, and participating in countless fellowship activities.

While attending high school in Cortez, Colorado, Thelma met the love of her life, Gene Patton. The couple dated for three years and were married on July 4, 1951, in Taos, New Mexico. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, hard work, and adventure.

Thelma and Gene were blessed with three daughters: Sherry, Carey, and Kelli. As their family grew, they built a home in Cortez and later established a successful family business. In 1965, they opened their own enterprise, which included an auto body shop, glass shop, and recreational vehicle sales. Thelma worked alongside Gene for many years, helping build the business while raising their family.

Thelma embraced life with enthusiasm. She enjoyed snow skiing, snowmobiling, camping, hunting, boating, water skiing, motorcycling, ATV riding, and exploring the beauty of southwestern Colorado. She especially loved spending time outdoors with family and teaching younger generations to enjoy the activities she loved.

After retiring at age 72, Thelma and Gene continued exploring the mountains and backroads of the region together, appreciating the beauty and blessings of the area they called home.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer David and Rose Ella Donovan; her sisters, Naomi Gertrude Rippetoe and Audrey Olive Gai; her brother, Raymond Ivan Donovan; and one grandchild.

Thelma is survived by her devoted husband of nearly 75 years, Gene Patton; her daughters, Sherry Padilla and husband Mike Padilla, Carey Brown and husband Byron Brown, and Kelli Spruell and husband Dennis Spruell; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Thelma will be remembered for her unwavering faith, adventurous spirit, strong work ethic, and deep love for her family. Her life reflected resilience, gratitude, service, and joy.

A celebration of Thelma's life will be held at Lighthouse Baptist Church on July 13, 2026, at 10:00 AM. The family invites those who knew and loved her to remember her with gratitude for a life well lived and a legacy that will endure for generations.