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Patricia Louise Hill
July 8, 1952 - June 14, 2026
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Pattie Hill (nee Winegar) died quietly with her husband Gary holding her hand.
During her final weeks, Pattie’s relatives gathered around her to provide care and comfort. Pattie sadly succumbed to sarcoma, a rare and swiftly advancing cancer.
Born to George and Helen Winegar in Lakeport, California. Pattie grew up in Lucerne on the shores of Clear Lake. In the summer, she and seven siblings spent every day in the lake swimming, picnicking, boating and skiing. She loved Clear Lake.
After Upper Lake High School, where she was lead cheerleader and an honor roll student, she was crowned Miss Lake County in 1970 and went on to compete in the Miss California Pageant.
Pattie went to cosmetology school and became a popular hairdresser in Lakeport, California. When her children were of school age, she went back to college to earn an associate’s degree from Diablo Junior College and a bachelor’s degree from Sacramento State. She then went on to the University of Pacific where she earned a master’s degree in speech pathology.
Pattie worked for Upper Lake and Lucerne elementary schools for 24 years. In retirement, she helped stroke victims learn to speak again.
Pattie married Steve Grammer in 1973, and they drove across America on their honeymoon. They owned and operated Northshore Landscaping in Nice, California, for about 15 years. Together, they had two wonderful sons, Matt and Mason. They were married for 30 years before they separated.
Pattie and Gary married in 2004 on a high mountain top at the ranch where they hunted. The Adanac Ranch, located thirty miles north of Laytonville, was their second home. Gary and Pattie were the hunting club caretakers of the 14,000 acres of rugged mountains, tall timber, bear, deer, elk, wild pigs, mountain lions, coyote, wild turkey, mountain quail and blue grouse.
Pattie loved the mountains, outdoors and travel. In 2003, they enjoyed a raft trip down the Colorado River through the Cataract Canyon with good friends. The newlyweds honeymooned in Alaska where Pattie caught a 200-pound trophy halibut.
Other travel destinations included the San Juan Islands, Hawaii and Tanzania. With son David Hill and Karen Zelch, they toured Germany, Switzerland, Italy, France and Spain. In the spring of 2024, Pattie spent eight days on a guided hike in Ireland. Last year she and Gary took a National Geographic cruise up the Columbia and Snake rivers.
Pattie was a calm and gentle soul, loved for her big heart, quick wit and zest for life. Her sense of humor was wonderful and she laughed a lot. On occasion, she reminded Gary to talk to her quietly and gently. She loved everyone and probably broke records for sending the most greeting cards.
Pattie may never have understood why she got cancer, but she chose how she would walk through it. She chose faith, grace and courage and trust in God. She wanted to set a good example for her family. Those choices became part of her legacy. Pattie was as beautiful and gentle facing death as she was in life.
She absolutely cherished her family who all cherished her. She is survived by sisters Jan Bell, Barbara Sarao, Mary Stevens, Georgia Sprigg and Kathy Mann, sons Mason (Becky) Grammer, Matt (Jenna) Grammer, David (Karen) Hill and grandsons Lucas, Benji, Rylan and Garrett, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Pattie’s sisters are scattered, some not well, so she requested there be no service. The family will spread her ashes quietly and gently.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to your favorite charity. The family thanks the Sutter doctors, nurses and technicians for the skilled care she received during her illness. Special appreciation goes to Becky Grammer who stayed by Pattie’s side from the onset.
Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit chapelofthelakes.com.
