The family of Patricia A. Bridges announces her passing on January 31, 2024, at the age of 88. Pat passed away at the Brookestone View nursing facility in Broken Bow, NE. She will be remembered with love and laughter by her two daughters, Jacque and Cathy.
Pat was born to Martin Sylvester (Bill) and Mildred (Roth) McDuffee in Kearney, NE on October 25, 1935. After graduating from Broken Bow High School in 1953, she married James A. Bridges on November 27, 1954. The Bridges family was involved in several businesses but were most proud of their J & P Sport and Western Shop in Broken Bow. Pat was known by many as the Clerk of the Custer County Court for several years. The legal system was a special interest of Pat’s.
Pat enjoyed many hobbies: knitting, reading, tennis, playing and teaching piano, rose gardening, managing her investments, Eastern Star, politics, and being a member of the Sandhills Journey Scenic By-Way Committee. Pat enriched her life by continuously learning and self-teaching. Foreign language, guitar, chess, and cross-country skiing were a few fun things that enriched her life.
Jim and Pat purchased the RR Ranch north of Mullen, NE in the mid-1980’s. This was a family ranch homesteaded by Pat’s grandparents in 1904. Life on the ranch was their pride and joy and the pinnacle of their lives together.
Pat is survived by her daughters, Jacque (Dave) Dunkel of Broken Bow and Cathy (Larry) Leibhart of Anselmo. Her grandchildren have many special memories of Grandma Pat: Rachel (Kory) Rhine; Salena (Phil) Winter; Dustin Eichelberger; Bret Leibhart; and Lacy (George) Haupt. Pat was blessed with great-grandchildren: Michala (Jacob) Yott; Ashton (Ashley) Preslicka; Payton (Isaiah Chavez) Rhine; Jade (Davion) Williams; Hayden Rhine; Jaxon Rhine; Morgan (Hunter Lloyd) Winter; Bailey (Troy Gilligan) Winter; Sydney Winter; Phillip Winter; Salem (Isaiah Appelhanz) Eichelberger; Karlee Haupt; Gracie Haupt; and Ruth Haupt. A fifth generation has completed Pat’s life: Alexys Chavez and Jonah Yott.
Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Mildred McDuffee; husband, Jim; sisters, Jeanne Barrett, Joanne Johnson, Maureen Bindewald; and her nephew, Dale Johnson. Pat also mourned the loss of her many dogs throughout her life- Major, Schlitz, Bridget, Coco, Suzy, Beau, Duke, and Raleigh.
A special thanks to the staff and caretakers at Brookestone View Nursing Facility for their kind and compassionate care.
Memorial services will be held on Monday, February 5, 2024, at 11:00 AM at the United Methodist Church in Broken Bow. Memorials are suggested to the Broken Bow Library Foundation or the Sandhills Scenic Byway. Online condolences can be left at www.govierbrothers.com Thank you for sharing in our celebration of Pat. We appreciate you all.