Patricia (Patti) Rae Ketelsen McIrvin

Patricia (Patti) Rae Ketelsen McIrvin, passed away on August 1, 2026, at her home in Laurier, Washington, surrounded by her beloved husband and all five of her children. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister; Patti’s greatest joy was her family. She cherished every moment with her husband, Lennis (Len) McIrvin, and together they built a home rooted in faith, kindness, and steadfast love. 

Her family was the center of her life, and she poured her heart into encouraging, supporting, and praying for each one of them.  Born on December 8, 1942, in Billings, Montana, Patti was the daughter of Raymond (Ray) and Edith Ketelsen. She spent most of her childhood in Ritzville, Washington, graduating from Ritzville High School in 1961. After high school she worked as a telephone operator and attended Washington State University to pursue a degree in elementary education. It was there that she met Len, and the two were married on December 7, 1963. Their early years were spent in Farmington and then Rosalia, where they welcomed their first child, Deborah (Debbi). 

The family grew with the births of Tami and Bill in Hunters, Washington. In 1970, Patti and Len became partners in the Diamond M Ranch and moved to Laurier, where their family was completed with the births of Julie and Amy. Patti’s deep and abiding faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of her life. She drew strength from Scripture, teaching herself Hebrew so she could read God’s Word in its original language, an effort culminating with a dream trip to Israel in 1999. She loved studying the Bible and was a dedicated member of Bible Study Fellowship for many years. 

She joyfully mentored and prayed with those new to their Christian walk. Known as a true prayer warrior, she was always ready to pause, take someone’s hand, and lift their needs before the Lord. Her faith shone through everything she did, and her gentle, welcoming spirit left a lasting impression on all who knew her.  Although raised a “city girl,” Patti often joked that she would never marry a farmer, until she met Len, and everything changed. She embraced ranch life wholeheartedly and devoted her life to the ranch and to raising her children to know and love the Lord. She tended to a large garden, canned and cooked food for her family, and sewed beautiful clothes for her babies, often surrounded by patterns and fabric as she crafted something new. 

Hospitality was woven into her being; anyone who stepped through her door was greeted with a cup of coffee or orange KoolAid and a cookie from her never-empty jar. Saturday night picnics at the beach became a cherished ranch tradition, with Patti always bringing extra food and plates for unexpected guests. Patti also opened her home for Sunday night Bible studies, where generations of families gathered to worship and study God’s word together. A devoted patriot and lifelong member of the John Birch Society, Patti hosted annual Fourth of July celebrations for the community for decades, complete with hundreds of bottles of homemade root beer and her thoughtful habit of sending guests home with freshly washed potluck dishes. 

In 1989, Patti lost her voice and became known for her soft, gentle tone, yet she never lost her love of singing worship music. Praising the Lord through song brought her deep peace, especially in her final days. Now, she rests in the presence of her Savior, singing with joy and a renewed voice among the heavenly chorus. Patti’s kindness was her hallmark. She spoke with grace, never with judgment, and always sought to lift others up. She made birthdays magical for her young children, no chores and a special dinner of their choosing, and she delighted in finding the perfect gifts for her grandchildren. Gift-giving was her love language; she often delivered an “I love you gift” just because she saw something that reminded her of someone she loved. Christmas at the McIrvin home was loud, joyful, and filled with anticipation for “Grandma’s gifts,” saved for last because each child knew how thoughtful and special they would be. Grandma herself was our greatest gift. Patti is survived by her devoted husband, Len; their children Debbi (Ted) Wishon, Tami (Rocky) Mullen, Bill (Roberta) McIrvin, Julie (Sean) Pierce, and Amy (Paul) Gadd; 14 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren, and three more yet to be born, whom she has already met in heaven; and her brother, James ( Jim) Ketelsen. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Edith Ketelsen, and her sister Barbara (Bobbi) Ketelsen. 

Patti will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her gentle spirit, and her boundless love for her Savior, Jesus Christ. Well done, good and faithful servant. To celebrate Patti and honor her legacy, a burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 21st at the Laurier Cemetery, followed by a memorial service and light lunch at 12:00 p.m. at the Barstow Grange, 25262 Highway 395 N, Kettle Falls, WA. The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support they have received during this time. Patti had a heart for the Christian Jewish community, and if you would like to join them in honoring her, in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews in her name. https://www.ifcj.org/ Please visit the online memorial and sign the guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com.