Patricia Ann Colby

Patricia Ann Colby, 93, of Mankato, MN, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 30, 2026 surrounded by the love of her family. 

Patrica was born on February 3, 1933 to Edward W. and Lena L. (Mercer) Thomas in Missoula, Montana. Patricia attended Missoula public schools (Paxson Grade School and Missoula County High School). She studied at the University of Montana where she was a member of the Alpha Phi Sorority and graduated with a major in Home Economics and a minor in Art Education in 1955. Patty married Edmund Kinzel Colby in June of 1954 while in attendance at the University of Montana.

Patricia taught Home Economics at Stevensville High School in 1955. After raising her family, she enrolled in the Curriculum and Instruction master's program at Mankato State College and graduated with a specialist degree in Library Media in 1970. After completing her degree, Patty worked as a Library Media Specialist in the St. Peter Public School System for 17 years. In 1984 Patty and her husband Ed spent 9 months in Taiwan. He was an exchange professor at Tamkang University. While there, Patty taught English classes. Patricia was an avid reader and knew the importance of instilling a love of reading at an early age. She volunteered in the special reading program at Lawton Elementary in Seattle, WA, where two of her grandchildren attended. Additional volunteer work included her many roles at the Church of Ascension in Seattle. She served on the vestry, supervised the church school, and was a respected and skilled member of the Flower and Alter Guilds.

Patricia had a particular love of gardening and tree care. She and her husband Ed spent much of their retirement time in residence at their Flathead Lake home, maintaining that property and hosting numerous family gatherings over the years. Any family in attendance always had a property cleanup assignment while they were there as Patty was a skilled taskmaster. Patricia is survived by her children; Carol Voelker and husband Peter of Seattle, WA, Cathy Colby of Mankato, MN, and Cliff Colby and wife Melanie of Mankato, MN; four grandchildren, Oscar (Collee) Kolbinger, Emily (Denise Pike) Kolbinger, Selena (Tim Nichols) Voelker-Nichols and Madelyn (Brian Zinke) Voelker; and four great grandchildren, Koltin, Violett, Rory and Lander. Patricia was preceded in death by her husband, Edmund Colby; her parents, Edward and Lena Thomas; sister, Shirley Harryman; and brother, Gary Thomas.

A private family memorial is planned for Sunday, August 15, 2027 at Flathead Lake, Montana. Details to be shared with family and friends at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the University of Montana Flathead Lake Biological Station in Patty's memory.