Patricia Lee Knotts

Patricia Lee Knotts, age 75 passed away Wednesday, March 12, 2014, at her home in Gillette, Wyoming of natural causesPatti was born June 28, 1938 to her proud and loving parents, Lee and Frances Wells in Douglas, Wyoming. 8 years later she was given the gift of a sister, Bette. She attended and graduated from Campbell County High School in 1956. While attending school she worked at the Fiesta Theater. After graduation she aspired to be a flight attendant but was told she was too tall and too skinny, so she went to work in the doctors' office of Dr. Hoadley and Dr. Hannum. In July of 1960 her life took an unexpected turn when she attended a dance at the VFW Hall in Worland, WY. A handsome young man, Mark Knotts, saw her and fell instantly in love with her. She felt the same way, and on November 26, 1960 they devoted themselves "for better and for worse," to each other for the rest of their lives. Soon their first child Rebecca (Becky) was born, followed by Marshall (Sonny), Christy and Susan. With the family complete she embarked on the adventures of 4-H leader, Jobie mom, Boy Scout mom, FFA mom and anything else her kids could ask of her. She was an avid seamstress, sewing clothes for her family, and making pocket money by sewing for people in the community as well as sewing for the movie "Close Encounters of the Third Kind."Once all of her children had flown the nest, she followed her creative heart to making western clothing that she enjoyed selling at Festival in the Park and Wyoming State Fair annually. As the joy of sewing clothes wore off she discovered her passion for quilting. Patti was a member of several quilts clubs and made many life-long friends as a result. She excelled in quilting and entered them in competitions winning many awards. In 2009, she was awarded The Golden Thimble Award by the Wyoming State Quilt Guild for enthusiasm, patience, encouragement and creativity in the art of quilting. She found hours of enjoyment piecing and assembling quilts, and teaching many others the art of pride and precision in every block. Patti had a love for flowers and gardening and it showed in the yard that she cultivated from pasture land to a relaxing, shady oasis full of color. While she enjoyed her quilting her family continued to grow. Becky Merchen had 3 children, Michael Merchen(Ashley), Stephanie Kirchoff (Eddie) and Kyle Merchen (Janna). From those children were born Hailee, Trinity, Alayla, Alandria, Alex, Kinslie, Jacob, Kylie and Frances. Sonny (Tami) had 2 children Cole and Emma. Chris Harwood had 2 children Jessica and Taylor, and Susan Ness (Greg) had Brian, Joshua (Kayla), Nathan and Katelyn.This many grand children kept her busy making baby quilts, and as they grew she was able to teach some of them to sew and quilt as well. Patti's life has made an indelible mark on all that loved and knew her and she will be greatly missed.Funeral Home:Gillette Memorial Chapel210 West Fifth Street Gillette, WYUS 82716