Rapid City, SD Patricia, (Pat) Petit, 87, passed away Friday, October 28, 2022, at Monument Health, Rapid City Hospital.

Pat was born January 21, 1935, in Pierre, SD, the oldest child of Ben and Betty Padilla. She grew up in Luverne, MN, in the midst of a loving family that included six siblings. Her parents owned a bakery, which was a family­ run business and a lot of hard work! Thus, began the close-knit family that stands yet today. She was married for 25 years to the love of her life, Irvin Petit Jr., until his untimely death at the age of 45. She never remarried and they are finally together today. She was also preceded in death by her oldest daughter, Theresa Marie, 48 years ago, and is reunited with her now as well. She attended Nettleton College of Business in the early 1950's and left to move to Rapid City to begin the first part of her career as a wife and mother. Among her many accomplishments, she wrote a column for the West River Catholic titled, "Pat's Prayers for Peons," and was very involved in both the Cathedral and Blessed Sacrament parishes. She served as a Diocesan Lay Minister and was a former Hospice House volunteer. As an associate of the Sisters of the Holy Family in Fremont, CA, she enriched her faith and that of the holy community.

Upon learning of her sudden passing, numerous messages from her large extended family have been received. She touched their lives in so many ways. Some of the words spoken were, and we quote, "She was a faith­ filled, tiny powerhouse and will be remembered for her kindness and love to all. She had a heart for service and was a selfless, serene, Godly woman. Everyone looked up to her and all that came in contact with her were blessed. She was a beautiful soul who touched all of our lives with love and prayers. We are so blessed to be part of her beautiful family. She was so kind and soft-hearted, and you could talk to her about anything. Everyone called her for extra prayers as they felt she was so close to God that the prayers would get there sooner. Aunty Pat was one of the most amazing women I knew. She was a wonderful friend and gave of herself in so many ways. Her four sisters and two brothers thank her for her support, her sharing of her faith, and her strong bond that they will forever miss. She was the epitome of a mother, always ready with a listening ear and a hug. She was an Angel on earth so the transition to an Angel in heaven is easy. Our loss is heaven's gain. Her spirit will live on through all she instilled within us. She led by example; it is rare to know someone so devout in faith that is also so incredibly open-hearted and accepting of all people".

Pat is survived by her remaining three daughters; Shelly Porvasnik, Marcia Werner, Sharon (Gerald) Ames; 10 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, and two great, great grandchildren; and her siblings, Joan Ripley, Lavonne Reiner, Audre Heckt, Tom Padilla, Allen (Denise) Padilla, and Mary (Mike) McLaughlin.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Irvin W. Petit Jr., her daughter, Theresa Petit, and her parents, Ben and Betty Padilla.

Visitation will be held; Wednesday, November 2, 2022, from 5:00-7:00 p.m., with Wake service at 7:00 p.m. at Osheim Schmidt Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held; Thursday, November 3, 2022, at 10:30a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church; Burial will be held; Friday, November 4, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. Mount Calvary Cemetery - Please meet at Osheim Schmidt Funeral Home at 9:45 a.m.

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established to The Sisters of the Holy Family.

"You are no longer where you were; but, you are everywhere I am."