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Patricia Wirth Obituary


PATRICIA KAUFMAN WIRTH
June 14, 1930 ~ November 17, 2016
"Exemplifying the best in leadership for those seeking an education through the community college system."

Dr. Patricia Kaufman Wirth, 86, passed away November 17, 2016. She was born in Hebron, North Dakota on June 14, 1930, the only child of Joe N. Kaufman and Kathryn Bleth Kaufman. In 1936, Pat moved to Vancouver with her parents. They moved to a dairy farm in LaCenter in 1937, and then moved to a farm in Washougal. In 1941, the family moved to Orchards where Pat was honored as valedictorian of her eighth grade class. She also attended Vancouver High School, and returned to Clark College as an adult re-entry student.
Pat worked full time while attending college, earning an AA degree from Clark College in 1968. She went on to earn a BS degree with a major in Business Administration at Portland State University in 1971; an MBA degree from Portland State University in 1975; and a Ph.D. degree from the University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho in 1979.
Dr. Wirth served as the District Superintendent/President of Yuba Community College District, District Campus in Marysville, California from April 2, 1984 through December 31, 1994. She served previously in the following administrative positions: Chief Instructional Officer, Modesto Junior College; Vice President of Clark College, Dean of Administrative Services, Clark College, Business Manager of Clark College, and Dean of Administration for Yakima Valley Junior College.
Among her professional activities, Dr. Wirth served on numerous commissions, councils and committees. Among them include the American Association of Community and Junior Colleges Board of Directors 1986/1989; AACJ Joint Commission on Federal Relations as Vice Chair for nursing issues; CA Assoc of Community Colleges Commission on Legislation and Finance 1988/1991, and California Community Colleges Chief Executive Officers Board of Directors, 1991/1994.
Dr. Wirth served as President of the Yuba Feather Rivers Sunrise Rotary Club 1991/1992; a member of the Yuba-Sutter Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors 1991/1994; President of the Yuba-Sutter Professionals Network for Women; and President of the Yuba-Sutter United Way.
Patricia received the Athena Award, presented by the Yuba-Sutter Chamber of Commerce, recognizing her as the outstanding woman leader in the community for 1989. In 1988, Dr. Wirth was recognized as outstanding educator by the Yolo County School Boards Association with their "Golden Apple Award." Then in June 1998, she was awarded the Alumna of the Year Award by Clark College.
Dr. Wirth's name remains in the US Congressional Record 103 Sessions as…. "Exemplifying the best in leadership for those seeking an education through the community college system."
She will be remembered by many at the Luepke Center as being the belle of the ball because of her beautiful clothes and dancing shoes with suede soles!
Pat leaves her beloved family: Phillip L. Mattox (Loie Ward Mattox), Clayton J. Mattox (Cindy); grandchildren, Julie, Grant, Ashley and Clark; many other relatives; and her companion of later years, The Mountain Man, Jerome Solotky, and numerous friends in Vancouver and Yuba City.
She was preceded in death by her father, Joe N. Kaufman in 1975; her mother, Kathryn Bleth Kaufman in 1988; her husband, William W. Wirth in 1994; also her companion of 14 years, Quenton Moon in 2009, who shared her talent and love of ballroom dancing and was her perfect dance partner.
Per her request, there will be no funeral or memorial service.
Please sign her guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.

Published by The Columbian on Nov. 27, 2016.
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Memories and Condolences
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My condolences to the family. I was fortunate to work closely with Dr. Wirth in my role as faculty leadership at Yuba College. I appreciated her straight forward discussions, her quick mind, and her wit. She was the ultimate professional, a true leader and a woman who displayed class and style. So nice that she was able to pursue her passion for dancing in her retirement.

Lauren Syda

December 7, 2016

Pat Wirth is an example of our true American spirit, a person of humble beginnings who was able to achieve so much in life. She tried to be fair to all of us, as we strived to fulfill our mission at Yuba College.
God bless you and your memory Pat.
Ken&Anne Hultsman

Ken Hultsman

December 2, 2016

May you have peace. She will be greatly missed. During this time more strength is needed from the highest power. GOD
Please draw close to God, and he will draw close to you.
JAMES 4: 8

December 1, 2016

Pat was a wonderful, intelligent, and genuinely lovely person. While working with her, I appreciated her candor, insight and was in awe with her ability to draw people in through her quick wit and kind heart. I believe my life was blessed by knowing Pat. Bet she is up in heaven dancing he feet off with Benny Goodman and Glenn Miller! My heartfelt condolences to Phil,Clay and family.

Patti Keller Perigo

November 29, 2016

Remembering those precious times when both our husbands were alive and we four enjoyed occasional dinner dates and a lot of laughs together. She was an incredible lady. BJ Schulte

November 28, 2016

Mom and I were glad to be able to visit Pat at Glenwood. Her leadership talent was unique and diversified. She was also a gifted writer, as demonstrated in her autobiographical book. But most of all her generosity extended to her friends with her kindness.

Rose Showacy

November 27, 2016

Pat will be so missed by all that cherished her friendship. I am so sorry I did not visit her in her last days. So glad I was able to visit with her a few times after she moved to Glenwood Place. She will be truly missed.

Jeanette Dunkin

November 27, 2016

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Funeral services provided by:

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