Patricia Ann (Davis) Fossum – beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend – was called home to be with our Lord on May 14, 2009, surrounded by her sons and family. Pat was born to Dr. Martin and Anna Davis on Nov 12, 1931 in Mitchell, South Dakota, and lived for periods of her childhood in Prairie Du Chien, WI, and Dell Rapids, SD. She graduated from South Dakota State University and later earned her Masters degree in Nursing Education from the University of Texas. She worked for many years as a Registered Nurse in hospitals and as Director of Nursing at a nursing home before she dedicating herself to the profession of nursing education. It was while working at Sioux Valley Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD, that she met the love of her life, Merlyn Fossum, who was recovering from a vehicle accident. With Merlyn still leaning on crutches, they went dancing and he swept her off her feet. They were married on Sept 12, 1954. Merlyn's work with the United States Department of Agriculture took them temporarily to Pierre, SD, then off to an adventure in McAllen, TX, on the southern border. After suffering the loss of their newborn daughter, Pat and Merlyn were blessed with three sons and Pat relished her years cheering at ball games and serving as a Cub Scout Den Leader for all three boys. Among her proudest days were the Courts of Honor in which she pinned the Eagle Scout badge on each son. After Merlyn's untimely death in 1981, Pat continued to work as a nursing instructor at UT-Pan American for a total of 25 years. After retirement, she enjoyed needlework, working in her yard, caring for her spoiled Husky, playing cards with friends, and serving at her church. In 2006, Pat moved to Houston, TX, where she enjoyed being closer to family. Pat was preceded in death by husband, Merlyn, and daughter, Deborah Lynn. She leaves behind two brothers; two sisters; and the families of her three sons: Mike & Melanie, Greg & Celia, and Terry & Michelle, and grandchildren Carrie Anne & Jonathan Braun, Mitch, Mark, Davis, John, and Kenny Fossum, as well as many friends in McAllen, TX; Canton, SD; and The Terrace at Clear Lake. Although Pat's days of doing the Lord's work on this earth are complete, we pray her love and vibrant spirit will continue to radiate from all who were blessed to know her. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Rio Grande Council, Boy Scouts of America, P.O. Box 2424, Harlingen, TX, 78551-2424, Attn: Patricia Fossum Memorial Fund.

Funeral arrangements are being made through James Crowder Funeral Home (Webster, TX) and Anderson Funeral Home (Canton, SD). A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 15, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 18220 Upper Bay Rd, Nassau Bay, TX, at 2pm. The burial service will be held on Sunday, May 17, at Grand Valley Lutheran Church, 28529 SD Hwy 11, Canton, SD, with interment to follow at Hills of Rest Cemetery in Sioux Falls, SD, on Monday, May 18. Pallbearers will be Chad King; Scott Hulst; Mitch, Mark, Davis, John, Eric and Joshua Fossum.