Patricia JoAnn Zollinger (Kirton)

Patricia JoAnn Zollinger passed away peacefully on July 31, 2026, at the age of 94.

Patricia was born on March 18, 1932, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Willford Kirton and Janet Mackie Kirton.

Patricia and Joseph LaMar Zollinger were married on March 17, 1952, in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they built a home centered on faith, education, service, and family, sharing 66 years of marriage until LaMar's passing in 2018.

Patricia was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph LaMar Zollinger; her son, Philip; her parents, Willford Kirton and Janet Mackie Kirton; her brother, Willford (Bill) Kirton Jr.; and her sister, Janet (Betty) Elizabeth Hummer.

She is survived by her children, Paul (Stephanie), Marla, Janet Diane (Mark Hamman), Tom, John, and Jim (Deb); her daughter-in-law, Sue Zollinger; 25 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandson; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Patricia's greatest joy was caring for her family and welcoming others into her home. She was a gifted cook whose homemade pies, dinner rolls, egg rolls, raspberry jam, and generous hospitality became treasured family traditions. Her children especially enjoyed the leftovers the next day.

She and LaMar were avid gardeners whose flower and vegetable gardens were admired throughout the neighborhood. Every summer, Patricia and her five oldest children traveled by train to Salt Lake City to visit her parents, creating memories her family cherished.

An outstanding athlete in her youth, Patricia remained her children's biggest supporter, faithfully cheering them on at sporting events. Music was another lifelong joy. She sang with the Sweet Adelines women's chorus, LaMar sang with a Barbershop men's chorus, and together they sang in their church choir while often gathering their children around the piano to sing.

Patricia's creativity was evident throughout her life. She sewed clothing for herself and her daughters, created award-winning quilts, and knitted and crocheted beautiful gifts for family and friends. As a senior at East High School in Salt Lake City, she served as president of the East High Associated Girls (EHAG).

Patricia will be remembered for her faith, generosity, creativity, hospitality, and unwavering love for her family. Her greatest joy was her family, and her greatest legacy is the love she leaves with them.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, followed immediately by the funeral service at 12:00 noon, at the Edgerton Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2335 Edgerton Street, Little Canada, Minnesota.

Interment with family will follow as Patricia is laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Joseph LaMar Zollinger.