Patricia Ann Herling

Patricia Ann Horn (Patty) was born on March 9, 1939, in Washington, DC. She was the first child of Byrne Francis Horn and Mabel Edith Blagdon, both of Nebraska. When Patty was very small, they left DC, living in Nebraska, Arizona and Colorado. Patty gained her little sister, Carol, in 1945. The family eventually ended up settling in Colorado, where Patty enjoyed a childhood surrounded by cousins and friends. Patty’s parents owned a series of restaurants, where she spent many hours as a child. Patty especially enjoyed spending her summers with her Grandma Horn, in the small town of Arnold, Nebraska. She treasured those times with her grandmother and cousins who lived nearby. When Patty was approximately fifteen years old, she experienced a traumatic event that became a defining moment in her life. While babysitting a newborn baby, the baby passed away of natural causes (through no fault of Patty’s). The baby’s parents expressed kindness and concern about Patty, and the lasting effect the experience might have on her. So they invited her to attend church with them at Beth Eden Baptist Church. And she did. As a result of their invitation, Patty came to know the Lord as her Savior, and became a lifelong member of Beth Eden Baptist Church. Her church, and the fellowship with her church family, became the central focus of her life. While Patty was a teenager, her parents opened a spudnut shop (fluffy donuts made from potato flour.) The shop was located across the street from Wheat Ridge High School, and was a popular destination for students and teachers. Patty spent the early hours of her morning frosting spudnuts before heading off to high school. She graduated from Wheat Ridge High School in 1958, then went to work for Blue Cross & Blue Shield. She was proud of her job at Blue Cross, and would often reminisce about driving downtown to work there. Around 1959, Patty served as “Social Chairman” for her young adults group at Beth Eden. One day, she was busy decorating for a banquet at church, when a handsome guy walked in. That’s how she met Eddie Herling, who had just returned home after serving in the Navy in the South Pacific. Patty had been involved in sending tape recordings of church services to Eddie in the Navy, but they’d never met before. Shortly thereafter, Eddie broke up with his girlfriend, and began dating Patty. From then on, she was the only girl for him. Eddie was the answer to Patty’s prayers. They were married on June 17, 1960 at Beth Eden Baptist Church. Patty wore a beautiful lace and satin gown hand sewn by her mother, and her bridesmaids carried daisies and wore dresses in rainbow pastel colors. Patty’s 14-year old sister, Carol, was the maid of honor. In the ceremony conducted by Dr. Sam Bradford, the couple said their vows, and Patty Horn became Mrs. Ed Herling. Eddie and Patty moved into a little upstairs apartment near the old Elitch’s Amusement Park, and so began their 64 years of togetherness. In 1963, Patty quit her job at Blue Cross, as she and Eddie welcomed their first child, Marlys. In 1964 they welcomed their son, Edward Blake, followed by their son, Carter, in 1972. Patty poured her heart into being a homemaker, loving wife, and mother. In 1968, Eddy and Patty had a home built in Arvada, and the family would drive over on Sundays after church to watch its progress. It was their dream home and became the center of many happy times. By the mid-1970’s, the family had outgrown that house, and moved to a bigger home located on Ward Rd., just a few houses down from Patty’s own parents. Not long after that, Patty’s mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. For two difficult years, Patty diligently cared for her mother, while maintaining both households. Sadly, Patty and Carol’s mother passed away in 1977. Patty enjoyed cooking, crafts, making ceramics, attending women’s activities at church, and going to Family Camp at Camp Eden. Together, Patty and Eddie also mentored and led church youth groups, and Patty taught Sunday School. At home, Patty coordinated birthday parties for her children, baked cakes and organized party games. Patty was fashionable, and wore the perfect outfit and accessories for every occasion. She enjoyed decorating their home. She and Eddie also had fun participating in a bowling league. Though she was left-handed, Patty bowled right-handed, and her impressive bowling skills earned prizes for her high scores. Patty and Eddie’s favorite pastime was camping in the Colorado Mountains, where Patty cooked meals in the tiny kitchen of their Mitchell camper, and many memories were made. The family also traveled to other places, including trips to Mexico, California and South Dakota. Patty kept a special place in her heart for her parents’ home state of Nebraska. Over the years, Patty, Eddie and the kids took many trips to spend time on the farm with Patty’s aunt, uncle and cousins. Even in the last week of her life, Patty still longed for Nebraska, as she recalled fond memories there. In 1993, Carol purchased a Hallmark store in Arvada, and Patty was blessed to be a part of that adventure. Patty worked there part-time for almost ten years, and blossomed in her responsibilities at the Hallmark store. Patty joined Carol on trips and conventions in exciting places across the US, and the two shared wonderful times together. In 1994, with their children grown, Patty and Eddie downsized, moving into a new home on Routt St. in Arvada. Five years later, Eddie retired from the Post Office. He and Patty had plans to travel in their fifth-wheel trailer. However, physical limitations kept them closer to home. So they focused on their family, and their ten grandkids kept them busy! Patty and Eddie stayed involved in everyone's day-to-day activities, and kept friends and family in their prayers. Patty particularly enjoyed sending handwritten notes and cards to people, which was one of her sweetest ministries. Life gradually became more difficult for Patty and Eddie, but they soldiered through their challenges. Then Eddie was called home to be with the Lord in June of 2024. While grieving his loss, Patty experienced a continuing decline in her own health and wellbeing. Her friends, family and neighbors graciously came beside her to offer Patty heartfelt help, love, compassion and prayers in the midst of her trials. Hospice staff and caregivers noted that even on her bad days, Patty's sense of humor kept them laughing. On the evening of January 4, 2025, the Lord welcomed Patty home to Heaven. She is now free from the struggles and sorrows of this life, and is rejoicing with her Savior. She will be dearly missed, but has reunited with her loving husband and other loved ones who have gone before. Patty leaves behind her children, Marlys (Paul Underwood) of East Prairie, MO, Edward Blake Herling (Crystell) of Lakewood, CO, and Carter Herling (Brandi) of Coal Creek Canyon/Golden, CO; Grandchildren, Samantha Herling, Chloe (Gage Mortimer), Maggie (Jacob Schmitz), Whitney (Zach Stearns), Kalie (Alyx Collins), Edward Christian Herling, Kara Herling, Lindsay Underwood, Corey Herling (Karissa) and Emma Herling, Great-grandchildren; Titus, Eden and Silas Stearns, Kaia and Arya Collins, Theodore Vasquez and Adaline Schmitz. In addition, Patty leaves behind her sister Carol Perdomo, niece Sasha (Walter Fortson), nephew Byrne Andre Perdomo, and their families. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the beautiful ministry at Camp Eden. (To do so, go to https://www.campeden.org/give.html choose “one time gift”, and choose “memorial gift” from the fund drop down. The family of Patty Herling thanks you for your kind gift to her favorite cause.)

Tributes

Patricia Ann Herling

March 9, 1939 - January 4, 2025