Patricia (Pat) Ann Raben passed away peacefully at the age of 91 on September 10th, 2023, with her loving family by her side.

Born on December 31, 1931, to John and Lillie Haglund, Pat spent her early years in North Bend, WA living with her mother, father and younger brother Johnny. Pat was the apple of her father’s eye. Always loved and supported, she was surrounded by aunts, uncles, cousins and friends nearby. From a young age, Pat was a hard worker, joining her mother at Ken’s Café in North Bend. Pat was often in charge of the household while her parents were working and kept both the house and her younger brother in line.

Pat graduated in 1950 from Mount Si High School, and shortly after moved to Seattle to work for the telephone company as a long-distance operator.

Pat always knew she wanted to someday raise a family of her own. In 1955 Pat met the love of her life, Dale Raben, at a Swedish/ Scandinavian dance hall in Monroe, WA. Dale always told the story of how when he saw her “angel face and stunning gold hair,” he knew she was the one. They married in October of 1955 and were lucky to spend nearly 65 wonderful years together.

Soon after they married, they welcomed their three children Leslie, Julie, and Mark. Pat was truly an exceptional wife and mother who was dedicated to her family. She created a loving home, a place where everyone wanted to be. She was a calm, caring, and patient mother. Her children always came first. She was very involved in their lives, including Camp Fire and 4-H.

One of the best decisions Pat and Dale made was to move to Forks for work in 1967. Pat loved her small town, and her small town loved her. Pat cared deeply for her family and neighbors, and it wasn’t out of any sense of obligation – it was simply who she was. Pat was always the first to extend a helping hand whenever it was needed.

Pat was very involved in the community. She was a member of the Emblem Club for decades, where she took on the role as head caterer among many other positions. She often baked pies for fundraising events. In 2017, Forks honored her by voting her Pioneer Logger of the Year.

Pat cherished her friendships, her closest being her neighbor and best friend of 55 years, Deannie Hoine. From her neighbors, parents of her children’s friends and through her association with organizations such as the Emblem Club and Elk’s Club, Pat’s friendships encompassed all aspects of life, and each was special to her. From phone chats to joint family outings, sharing meals, baking her famous pies, entertaining, adventures near and far, and helping in times of sadness and difficulty, Pat was up for it all.

One of the greatest joys of Pat’s life was the arrival of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Erika Lasee, Holly McGourty, Mark Schumacher, Amber Diimmel, Buddy Schumacher, Jillian Dahlgren, Derek Schumacher, Colton Raben, Ella Lasee, Kayson Lasee, Julia Schumacher, Kiera McGourty, Dale Schumacher, Myra Dahlgren, Banks McGourty and Ashton Schumacher. Pat delighted in everything about her new role as a grandmother. She was involved as much as possible with her grandchildren, from babysitting, baking, and decorating cookies together, dyeing easter eggs together, watching their sporting events, attending birthday parties and just simply spending time with them. Pat delighted in raising her grandchildren as much as her own children.

Pat had the biggest heart and cared deeply for people of all ages. It was a natural fit for many to call her “Grandma Pat,” which she loved. You could find her giving encouragement or kindness at a local sports event, the store or a family gathering. She loved cheering for teams of all ages, as well as giving individual praise. Reassuring words were commonplace for Pat. Both she and Dale enjoyed how people of all ages would stop in to say hello. They took pride in having a welcoming home, open to young and old. Pat leaves a lasting impression on those who called her sister, mother, aunt, cousin, grandma, great grandma, “Grandma Pat,” and friend. Her big blue eyes, huge smile, witty humor, and warm heart will be greatly missed by so many.

Pat is survived by her brother Johnny (Lois) Haglund, her daughters Leslie (Ron) Diimmel and Julie (Jim) Schumacher, and her son Mark (Mary) Raben. She also leaves behind her eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Please join us in celebration of Pat’s life at Elk’s Lodge on September 26th, 2023 at 12 p.m.