Patricia Ruth Dodd

Patricia "Pattie" Ruth Dodd left this world peacefully January 27, 2019, at 92 years of age. Born the third child of William and Ruth Beaton in Ajo, Arizona, Pattie spent the years of her youth in Phoenix. She later shared fond memories of Arizona and family vacations in the red rock country of Sedona. Always a keen observer and a lover of nature, Pattie soaked in the shapes and colors of the landscape that would serve as inspiration for her life's work.

The Beatons moved to Portland where Pattie attended Grant High School. Following high school she headed to the University of Oregon to pursue a Fine Arts degree. She joined the Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority and cheered on the Mighty Ducks as a member of the rally squad. She remained a fervent Duck fan to the end.

After graduation, Pattie returned to Portland where she landed a job as an Art Director for a packaging company. She met and married Robert Dodd and their five children came along in quick succession. The Dodd family home was a hub of activity, full of kids, their friends and a menagerie of pets. Favorite family times included holiday gatherings, spirited card games and trips to Hawaii and the Wallowa Lakes.

Between volunteering at school and managing the kids' activities, Pattie always found time to work in her studio. She dabbled in many mediums, but was most comfortable with her paintbrush. Pattie continued her art studies with the late American painter Carl Morris and at the Portland Museum Art School. She was invited to exhibit her work in one-woman shows in several Portland galleries and the Portland Art Museum. To this day, her paintings can be found in corporate and private collections throughout the Northwest.

Outside of her busy family and professional life, Pattie enjoyed her books, good music, playing tennis (she had a wicked backhand) and socializing with her treasured friends. In her later years she enjoyed volunteering at the Japanese Garden, walking the trails in Tryon Creek and working on new projects in her studio.

With her distinctive red hair, good humor and twinkle in her eye, Pattie always left an impression on those she met.

She is survived by her five children who brought her so much pride and joy, Mark Dodd (Cathy), Stacie Dodd White (Tim), Bruce Dodd (Susan), Duncan Dodd (Mary), Lisa Dodd Torkelson (Eric). She adored her 11 grandchildren who lovingly called her "Gagoo." Pattie's family extends their thanks to the countless caregivers and faithful friends who have assisted and stood by her over the years. She was truly one of a kind and her special spirit will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Pattie's memorial service and reception is planned for 2:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 22, 2019, at Christ Episcopal Parish in Lake Oswego.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB), the Portland Japanese Garden or the Susan G. Koman Foundation.

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