Patricia Ann (Larsen) Gunn

Patricia Ann Larsen Gunn passed away peacefully on May 5, 2025, in Jeffersonville, Indiana, at the age of 83. Born on December 29, 1941, in Brush, Colorado, Patricia was the beloved daughter of Barbara E. (Cable) Larsen and Elmore T. Larsen of Woodrow, Colorado. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Byron Kent Larsen and Martha Kay Larsen.

She is survived by her daughter Heather Marne Gunn-Scholl, her son-in-law Dwight E. Scholl, and her cherished granddaughter, Marni Clare Scholl. She also leaves behind many dear friends and extended family across Colorado, California, and beyond.

Patricia was raised on her family's wheat and corn farm in Woodrow, Colorado, where she developed a deep love of nature, sunshine, and the music-filled life of rural America. She graduated from Brush High School in 1960, and earned her degree in microbiology from Colorado State University in 1963. She completed her clinical residency at St. Luke’s Hospital in Denver in 1964.

Patricia began her professional life as a laboratory technologist, later becoming a lab manager in California. In 1965, she earned her private pilot’s license, and in 1966 married her college sweetheart. The couple lived in San Francisco, Maryland, and Southern California before returning to Colorado, where Patricia raised her daughter and worked in both medical technology and real estate.

In midlife, Patricia returned to college to earn a degree in Psychology. She then began a second career as a vocational rehabilitation counselor for the State of Colorado, working with young adults with learning disabilities. She was deeply passionate about helping others find meaningful work and retired in 2001. She later enjoyed several years as a substitute teacher.

Patricia had a lifelong love for books, music, nature, and film. She especially enjoyed camping in the Rocky Mountains, attending the Denver Symphony, and strolling through the Denver Botanic Gardens near her home. Her favorite movies included Moonstruck and Out of Africa. She was also a devoted cat lover, always with a feline companion by her side.

In 2007, Patricia moved to Jeffersonville, Indiana, to be near her daughter Heather, son-in-law Dwight, and her beloved granddaughter, Marni. As “Grandmama,” she formed a special and joyful bond with Marni, attending school events, sharing meals, and simply enjoying everyday life together.

In her final years, she found peace in quiet joys: working jigsaw puzzles, birdwatching, eating fruit popsicles, and sitting in the sunlight on her patio.

Patricia was a woman of depth, intelligence, wit, and grace. She lived her life with curiosity, courage, and devotion to those she loved. Her legacy is found in the lives she touched, the wisdom she shared, and the enduring love she gave freely.

A private family service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Patricia’s honor to:
The Denver Botanic Gardens or a local literacy or education program in your community.

 “She was sunshine on a cloudy day, the steady hand in the storm, the warm smile in the morning light. We will carry her spirit in our hearts—forever.”

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