Patricia Turner Gribben
Reno - 11-5-1937 9-17-2018
Pat was born in Los Angeles, CA to Frank and Clara Turner. When the war was over the family moved to Boulder City, NV where Pat completed elementary and High school. She was involved in many social and scholastic organizations, was active in student government, and was the Girl's State Representative all while working part time for the US Parks Department.
In 1955 she moved to Reno to attend the University of Nevada (not UNR as she would remind everyone). She majored in elementary education. She was on the Dean's List and received numerous scholastic scholarships while working three jobs-Secretary at the Mechanical Engineering Dept., the Library, and the Dining (Gow) Hall.
Soon after graduation (in 1959) she married Clark Gribben and began teaching in the Washoe County School system where she taught for 7 years. When Clark started his Structural Engineering business she became the bookkeeper - a job that would last 33 years. Along the way daughters Stephanie (1969) and Allison (1970) joined the family and she was of course a supportive, loving parent in all their activities.
Pat played a mean hand of bridge, loved the movies, never failed to solve a crossword puzzle, and entertained us all at the piano. She treasured the back country and made many a trip backpacking, jeeping, horse packing, and rafting. A world traveler she was - visiting many countries on six continents, including Rural China, Russia and African safaris. She especially liked cruising.
Graeagle CA was her second home - the family vacationed or owned homes there for 50 years. In 2004 they purchased property near Clio and built their dream home. A log home that was her pride and joy as she had done all the architectural layout, selected all the materials and decorated and furnished it. A great place to entertain and she hosted many a party.
Pat was an amazing person with all the energy and smarts need to be a great Mom, wife and grandma and friend to so many. She was loved by all who knew her and will be greatly missed. She is survived by Clark, daughters Stephanie Murphy (husband Tim and grandchildren Makenzie and Kyle), Allison Gribben (boyfriend/partner Will Grenhart), brothers David Turner (Kay) and Steve Turner (Michell). There will be no service. A Celebration of Life (let's call it a Party - she loved a good party) will be held at a later date.
Published in Reno Gazette-Journal on Sept. 23, 2018
Jimmy Widner (1958)
Pat was a good friend of my sister Edith .. here they are in front of the inovative Girl Scout clubhouse. A left over c47 from WWII .
Gail Schuyler (Walsh) (1955)
Pat was a kind and fun loving friend. I must have missed the entry of her passing earlier. There are not many of us 1955ers left and she and Janie will both be missed. My sympathy to all of her family.
Sincerely Gail Schuyler Walsh
Donald Schuyler (1954)
I can't believe I am just posting this comment, better late than never. I knew Pat for a long time growing up in BC in the same years. She always seemed so upbeat, smiling and interested in what was going on around her. Later years when she was at the University of Nevada we would talk once in awhile. It was after she married her husband Clark Gribben that we became more acquainted. I had known Clark in the engineering classes we took together and they sure made a great combination married couple!!!!! They would have me over to their apartment for a nice "home cooked meal" and some lively conversations. Nice for them to do that for this old batchelor. Clark, thanks again for including me in your lives, I still owe you a visit in Clio. Don