Patricia Colclazier

Patricia Joy “Pat” Colclazier, age 89, passed away peacefully March 13, 2019 in Seminole, Oklahoma. She was born on November 18,1929 in Durant, Oklahoma to Theron and Louise (Pohlman) Stratton. Pat graduated from Durant High School in 1947.  She attended Southeastern State College in Durant for two years. On June 19, 1949, she married James “Jim” Lee Colclazier, her high school sweetheart and the love of her life. Following their marriage, she joined him in Stillwater, at Oklahoma State University, where he was attending college on football and academic scholarships. Pat was a lifetime member of the United Methodist Church, including 10 years at McFarlin United Methodist Church in Norman, and almost 50 years at the First United Methodist Church in Seminole. She was active in the church and served on numerous committees, including the Administrative Council.  She was a faithful choir member and an active member of United Methodist Women. Her faith in God, and support from family, wonderful friends, and neighbors, sustained her after suffering the loss of her husband at the age of 50.  After Jim died, Pat was employed as the Administrative Assistant to the Vice President of Academic Affairs at Seminole State College (then Seminole Junior College, SJC). The opportunity to be employed by the college meant a great deal to Pat, as she was working for Jim Cook, who was hired by the college to succeed her late husband. The administrators, teachers, and fellow staff members quickly made Pat feel at home, helping to fill the void in her life, and establishing many new friendships for years to come. Pat was possibly known best for her graciousness and hospitality toward others, especially neighbors, children, and students at SJC.  She frequently opened her home to students who had no lodging, loaned them money for food or supplies, and fed them home cooked meals. She possessed a special insight into the students’ needs and was known for doing whatever it took to support student success. At the college, along with other duties, she was responsible for organizing and implementing the Interscholastic Meet, an event attended by over 1000 high school students annually.  During her tenure with SJC, she was recognized with three service awards, including the “Extra Miler” award for going the extra mile to provide exemplary service to students and fellow employees of SJC. Family was extremely important to Pat. The Stratton Family Reunion at Fin and Feather was established 34 years ago this year. Pat cherished seeing her extended family and spending time with all her relatives and her new great nieces and nephews every year. Perhaps Pat’s favorite role in life was that of mother and grandmother, or “Gram”, as she was affectionately known.  Pat was a talented seamstress, often making creative Halloween costumes for her children, making fun craft projects with her grandchildren, coming up with exciting playtime activities, and cooking their favorite foods, especially chocolate fudge. She always knew what each of her children or grandchildren needed to make him or her feel special and loved.  Pat was a talented pianist and often played for her children and her family at holiday gatherings and special occasions. Pat loved animals, antiques, nature, and the outdoors.  She especially loved her cats and told many wonderful stories of their antics and companionship.  She was known for creating beautiful flower arrangements in her home and refinishing antique furniture.  She also loved watching and feeding the birds, working in her yard, and growing beautiful flower gardens.  She and her family enjoyed many vacations camping, hiking, and fishing in Colorado. She loved looking for driftwood along the streams, watching wildlife, and feeding the chipmunks. Pat was preceded in death by her husband, Jim, in 1980, her sisters Ruby Dale Smith and Peggy Mae Fryer, and two brothers, Theron “Sonny Boy” Stratton and Ray Stratton, and two granddaughters, Amy Michelle Colclazier, and Stephanie Anne Colclazier. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Ann Powell Stratton of Arkansas.  She is also survived by her three children and their spouses, Jay and Deborah Colclazier of Red Lodge, Montana, Tricia and George Butner of Wewoka, Oklahoma, and Jerry and Amie Colclazier of Seminole; grandchildren and their spouses David Colclazier, Brett and Lacey Butner, Hannah and Stuart Hudson, Jenna and Tyler Geohagan, Christina Colclazier, Logan Colclazier, Mollie and Dax Dilbeck, Katie Colclazier, and Connor Colclazier; great-grandchildren Nora Geohagan, George Dilbeck, and Branch Butner; and many nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved very much. The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the wonderful staff at Avonlea Cottage and Valir Hospice.  A very special thanks is extended to Edwinna Goodman for her special love and care of Pat over the past seven years.    A Memorial Celebration will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Seminole, Oklahoma, on Saturday, March 16, 2019, at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Mark Watson officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to:  Pat Colclazier Hospitality Fund, c/o Seminole State College Educational Foundation, P.O Box 351, Seminole, Oklahoma, 74818, for the Pat Colclazier Hospitality Fund. Services are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole, Oklahoma.   Funeral Information: March 16, 2019, 11:00 AM First United Methodist Church - Seminole located at 910 W. Wrangler Blvd., Seminole, OK 74868