Patricia Florence Albert Prock, age 89, passed away peacefully on April 24 at Willow Creek Terrace surrounded by family.
She was born on Sept. 12, 1935 in Minot, N.D. to Edgar and Ila Albert. She joined her sister Gayle, and they were later joined by sister Ferne.
Pat or Patty was a devoted wife to the late Jimmy Prock for over 57 years. They had four children, Tricia, Mike, Jon and Tami.
She spent her early years moving around as the family followed her father’s job. She spent time in Chiloquin, Klamath Junction, Klamath Falls, Heppner, Metzger, LaGrande, then finally settling in Hardman and Heppner, where she graduated high school in 1953. Moving and changing schools taught Pat how to make friends and learn to adapt to change.
She met the love of her life the summer of 1951 at the Rhea Creek Grange dance. Jim gave her an engagement ring on her birthday in 1953. They were married on Aug. 7, 1954 in Heppner, where they settled and raised their four children.
Patty babysat friends’ children until hers were old enough to be in school. She began working for M&R Floor Covering as a bookkeeper. She then worked at Pioneer Memorial Hospital, later working at the Pioneer Memorial Clinic. She retired from Morrow County Mental Health after working there eight years.
Her hobbies included quilting, reading, and sharing time with family and friends. Her family will always cherish the quilts she made. She particularly enjoyed her Monday quilting friends. She always cherished the conversation and sisterhood she had with Marge, Eva, Pat, and Gwen. Pat was an avid reader and writer. She kept many journals and wrote a book, “A Collection of Life Stories.”
Patty moved to Willow Creek Terrace in January of this year. She reestablished old friendships and enjoyed her time there. Mealtime and activities provided opportunity for sharing stories and laughs with Bev, Virginia, and Rita. The staff provided a loving and caring home to her during these final months.
Her passion was her family. She devoted herself to her children. Pat taught them to be independent and kind to others. These lessons were passed on to her four grandsons and seven great-grandchildren who affectionately called her “GG.”
She is survived by her sister, Ferne Healy (Mike); children, Tricia Gunderson (David) and Tami Calvert (Gary); grandchildren, Brent Gunderson (Kimmie), Derek Gunderson (Meghan), Jake Calvert (Lynn), Matt Calvert (Kaitlin) and Bri Silva (Rafael); great-grandchildren, Whitley Gunderson, Easton Gunderson, Sage Calvert, Cora Calvert, Lane Calvert, Addison Calvert, Reed Calvert, Sophia Silva, and John Silva. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 57 years; her sister, Gayle Feller; and her sons, Jon and Mike.
A memorial service will be held at the Heppner Masonic Cemetery on May 16 at 11 a.m. A luncheon will follow at the Heppner Elks Lodge.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Willow Creek Terrace, 400 Frank Gilliam Drive in Heppner.
Please leave your condolence messages for the family online.
Sweeney Payton Mortuary has been entrusted with the arrangements.
