Patricia Louise Litton

A celebration of life for Pat Isenberger Litton will be held on March 4, 2025, at 1 p.m. at St. Matthew's Catholic Church in Gillette, WY, with burial and reception to follow. The reception will take place at the St. Matthew's Parish Hall following the burial at Mt. Pisgah. There will also be a prayer vigil held on March 3, 2025 at 6 p.m. at Gillette Memorial Chapel.

Pat passed away peacefully at Legacy Living on February 23, 2025. Born on August 26, 1928, in Lincoln, Nebraska, to Samuel Earl and Lola Bernice (Carter) Eikenbary, Pat led a life filled with adventure and marked by resilience. Her family traveled extensively due to Earl's work in road construction, and Pat attended 17 different schools before graduating from Beatrice High School in Nebraska.

After graduation, Pat attended Black Hills State College and earned an emergency teaching certificate. She began her teaching career in Northeast Wyoming in the fall of 1945. During one of her teaching assignments at Mondel School, she met a local cowboy, Bob Isenberger, whom she married in 1949. Bob worked on local ranches until 1956 when he got the opportunity to lease a ranch from Ollie Kane, leading to the establishment of LY Ranch.

Bob and Pat started their family with the birth of their son, Mike, in 1954, followed by Lee two years later. Tragedy struck in January 1972 when Bob was killed in a pickup rollover accident. Just two years later, in August 1974, Mike was also killed in a truck collision. Despite these heartbreaking losses, Pat was determined to keep the ranch running.

In 1977, Lee married Peg and began their life on the ranch where they worked and learned invaluable lessons from Pat. An exceptional stockwoman and astute businessperson, Pat generously imparted her vast knowledge to anyone in need, embodying a spirit of unwavering kindness and mentorship.

Pat's legacy shines through her deep involvement in numerous local, state, and national organizations and boards. She held a fervent passion for children, cowboys, sheep, cattle, dogs, homemaking, and all things related to agriculture. Her dedication was most evident in her work with the Wyoming Wool Growers, where she proudly served as the first woman president. Pat was also a founding member of the National High School Rodeo Association Foundation and devoted an impressive 48 years as a 4-H leader.

Pat contributed her skills as a timer and secretary for the PRCA National Finals Steer Roping, high school rodeo, and various other rodeos. Additionally, she served as a board member of the Wyoming Board of Agriculture, Thunder Basin Grazing, Farmers Coop, and the University of Wyoming College of Ag advisory board.

Her immense contributions did not go unrecognized, as she received numerous awards throughout her lifetime. Among the accolades she cherished most were her inductions into the Wyoming High School Rodeo Hall of Fame and the Wyoming Agriculture Hall of Fame, along with being a proud recipient of the prestigious Quealy Award. Governor Sullivan also honored Pat’s remarkable contributions by declaring a day in her name, "Pat Litton Day," celebrating her tireless dedication. Pat's remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication leave an enduring legacy that will be cherished for generations to come.

In 1980, Pat found love again and married Gene Litton. They spent the next 34 years together, filled with adventures and travels. For the last 10 years of their life together, they became snowbirds, purchasing a place in Arizona. After Gene's passing in February 2014, Pat spent one more winter in Arizona before returning to Wyoming full-time. She moved into Primrose Retirement Community in Gillette to be close to family and later resided at Legacy Living Center from 2023 until her passing. She made many dear friends at both places.

Pat was blessed with three grandchildren from Lee and Peg: Bob (born in 1979), and twins Chris and Jessica (born in 1981). Gene brought 10 grandchildren into their family, creating a bustling and loving household.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands Bob and Gene, her brother Bob, her sister Jerry, and her son Mike. She is survived by her son Lee (Peg) Isenberger, her grandchildren Bob (Holly) Isenberger, Chris (Jackie) Isenberger, Jessica (Ray) Fertig, and her great-grandchildren Tyzer, Tadlee, Tryce, Tripp, Adam, Jackson, Kendall, Cooper, Nora Isenberger, and Daniel, Caleb, and Josh Fertig.

Pat will be greatly missed by all her family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National High School Rodeo Foundation or the Campbell County 4-H Council. Memorials and condolences may be sent in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel 210 West 5th Street, Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also be expressed at www.gillettememorialchapel.com