Patsy Nell (Pat) Cory Mortensen, of Apache, AZ, passed away on August 3rd 2009 in Tucson after a brief illness.

Pat was born in Lea County NM on January 27th, 1933 to Irwin William Cory and Lela Mae Melton Cory.

She married Hal V. Mortensen on November 27th, 1952 in Lordsburg, NM

She is survived by her husband, Hal V. Mortensen of Apache, son Dennis and wife Sandy of Tucson, son Jay and wife Cindy of Double Adobe and brother Gordon and wife Carol of Las Cruces, NM. She is also survived by grandchildren Jole’ Spivey and husband Stephen, Hal M. Mortensen and wife Sherry and Laurie Mortensen. Great-grandchildren Calla and Liora Spivey survive, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Pat and Hal lived and worked in the Gila Wilderness of western New Mexico soon after starting their married life. Their first home was at White Creek, sixteen miles from the end of the road , accessible only by horseback or wagon. Later on, while with the Forest Service, they were stationed at Mimbres, where Dennis was born. A move back to the Glenwood area was later in store where Jay came along, then the final move with Forest Service to Kingston, before moving to Willcox, AZ in 1962.

In Willcox, Pat went to work for Pete Jensen at his insurance agency, working there for many years. Many clients and customers became friends over the years, as she enjoyed her work a great deal.

A big change came in 1973, when Pat, Hal and family moved to the Mallet Ranch at Apache. Pat became bookkeeper for the registered Hereford operation then in existence. A few years later, the registered operation was phased out, and Pat went back to school at Cochise College to keep busy and expand her knowledge.

Pat was a long standing member of the Chiricahua Gallery in Rodeo, NM. She enjoyed many artistic endeavors and was especially accomplished in many forms of needlework. Family and friends coveted the knitted and crocheted sweaters and children’s toys she made and gave as gifts.

She enjoyed experimenting with new and innovative recipes, and family and friends and many a hungry cowboy on the Mallet loved to sit down at her table.

Among the many things Pat enjoyed were her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, hunting for arrowheads on the Mallet, but heaven to her was fishing for catfish in one of the catfish ponds on the ranch. She would put the worm on the hook, but didn’t mind if you would take the fish off for her.

A memorial  will  be held at the Rodeo Community Center on Monday, August 10th, at 10:00 in the morning. Services conducted by Bill Cloudt, music by Rosanne Carbine and Junior Gomez.