Delores Patricia “Pat” Davis

Delores Patricia “Pat” Davis passed away at her home in Bruneau, Idaho on March 15, 2021. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Cremation was under the care of Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel.

Pat was born on November 24, 1929 in Caldwell, Idaho. She was the middle child of Walt and Mildretta Adams of Homedale, Idaho.

Growing up in Homedale, Pat attended both the elementary and high school there. She graduated in 1948, and then spent one year at the College of Idaho.

Pat married Donald L. Davis in 1949 in Winnemucca, Nevada. They moved across the border to Ridgeview, Oregon for a year before the couple took up ranching life in Bruneau. They made Bruneau home for the remainder of their lives.

Pat and Don had three children. Their first born was a daughter, Judy Ann, followed by two brothers, William Joe and Kenneth Ray. The young family lived on their ranch in a tiny two room house with a wood stove, an outhouse, no telephone, and no nearby neighbors. They did have power and a pitcher water pump (until the well went dry). Luckily they had a small, warm water well several yards from the house. They ran a hose through a knot hole to wash dishes and bathe in a trough. Although life wasn’t easy, they were happy and had each other.

After ten years, with the help of Don’s brother Dick and his father-in-law Jim McGinnis, they built their new house next to the original and lived there for 52 years.

Pat and Don were early pioneers of Little Valley. Along with Don’s brother Gene, they started Bruneau Cattle Company and maintained a strong work ethic that saw them through the ups and downs of ranch life.

Pat worked sun up to sundown on the ranch she loved. She enjoyed cooking for the branding and hay crews. She always had a hearty breakfast and hot lunch ready for her family and any others who happened by. Pat kept a well-aged sourdough starter and made the best pancakes and rolls. She baked delicious pies, cinnamon rolls, fudge, and her family’s favorite, buttermilk chocolate cake.

Pat was an active member in the community. She was an EMT, a proud member of the Bruneau American Legion Auxiliary, a member of the Owyhee County Cowbells, played bridge with the High Desert Bridge Club and was always ready to lend a hand at any community function.

Pat made many wonderful life-long friends who remained dear to her throughout her life.

As much as Pat loved Bruneau, her ranch, and her community, her greatest joy was her children and grandchildren. Being Mom, Grandma Pat, and G.G. meant everything to her. Nurturing and guidance came naturally to Pat, and her brood thrived in an atmosphere of encouragement, security, warmth, love, and strong community and family values. She loved her extended family, all her nieces and nephews on both the Adams and Davis side. Pat loved attending the many family gatherings and cherished the memories made.

Pat is survived by her two sisters, Alene Downing, Marilyn Burke and a brother-in-law, Jack Burke; her children, Judy and husband Bill McBride, Kenny Davis, and special son Phil Luman and wife Janell; grandchildren, Kasey (Muffy) McBride, Keri (Kasey) Garrett, Kelli (Brody) Prow, Sarah (Jeff) Carothers, Cassie (Rigo) Farfan; great grandchildren Makenzie, Josie, and Roan McBride, Riley and Cashe Davis; Kambell, Kinlee, Keiser, and Krew Garrett; Paisley, Mackley, and Hap Prow; Makayla, Trevor and Wade Carothers; Alyssa Rodriguez, Olivia, Adrian, and Rigo Lewis Farfan. She was preceded in death by husband Don (2010) and her son William Jo (Bill) Davis (1972).

Memorials can be sent to the Bruneau Booster Club (Shelter Fund) P.O. Box 648 Bruneau, Idaho 83604