Patricia “Patty” Ellen Plaskett Hearne, affectionately known as “Nana” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, rancher, adventurer, storyteller, and friend. She lived a full and vibrant life, surrounded by family and friends, with countless stories she was always eager to share. Patty was born in King City, California on August 15th, 1943, to Cyril and Margaret Plaskett. She was one of eight children, five girls and three boys, and grew up in a close and lively family home in Cherry Canyon on Jolon Road. After graduating from King City High School, she attended Hartnell College. She married Frank “Mickey” Hearne on October 20th, 1962, in King City at St. John’s Catholic Church. They lived in San Luis Obispo while Mickey attended Cal Poly, Patty worked at a bank before returning to country life, which she deeply loved. Together, they leased land on the Harless Ranch where they raised cattle and pigs, building the rural life they wanted. Soon Patty and Mickey welcomed four children, Irene, Barbara, Steve, and Tom. She was a devoted mother, and later an equally devoted grandmother and great-grandmother.

Family and community were always at the center of her life. She was a room mother at St. John’s while her children attended, a 4-H leader, a director at the Salinas Valley Fair, and the President of the King City Chamber of Commerce, as well as numerous other titles she held. She was the clothing manager at L.A. Hearne Company retail stores and had a well-known love of fashion. Her closet was always full of something fun and unique. Patty was a natural adventurer. She and Mickey traveled the world together, visiting every continent except Antarctica. She hiked in Ireland, went whitewater rafting in the Grand Canyon, parasailing in Mexico, went scuba diving, skiing, and even took a motorcycle trip to Sturgis with Mickey and her brother Sam. Of all the places she had been, her favorite was the Plaskett family cabin on Plaskett Ridge, a place that embodied her love for family and the outdoors. At home, Patty loved gardening, rearranging furniture, swimming with family and friends, golfing, attending book club and Pedro parties, and going to dinners and fundraisers. Her calendar was always full and she never once slowed down- she was truly a force throughout her entire life. She cheered for her beloved 49ers with Mickey and enjoyed Giants and A’s games. Patty loved skiing trips and, in her later years, Ferrari club events with her close friend Paul. She truly never met a stranger. Her huge smile and contagious positivity made every space brighter. She was a gifted storyteller, loved writing poetry and music, played guitar and piano, and even wrote and sang songs. She had a gift for bringing joy to ordinary moments. Patty loved life and lived it fully, staying active, curious, social, and engaged. To say she will be deeply missed would be an understatement.

She was preceded in death by her husband Frank “Mickey” Hearne, her parents Cyril and Margaret Plaskett, her brother Edward “Bud” Plaskett and infant brother Michael Plaskett. She is survived by her children Irene, Barbara, Steve (Katrina), and Tom (Katie); her sisters Barbara Cozby, Sylvia Ward, Penny Barbree, and Kelly Sue Harless; her brother Sam Plaskett, her many grandchildren; Kelly Barker (Kelly), Wil Bray, Casey Bray, Dustin Hearne, Jacob Hearne, Mackenzie Naschke (Jacob), Brooks Hearne, and Samuel Hearne, her great-grandchildren; Grace, Riata and Reagan Barker, and Liberty, Colt and Utah Hearne, various nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless other family and friends whose lives she touched. Her passing was sudden and unexpected, and her family was deeply shocked by the loss of someone who seemed to have so much life left to live. Patty’s life was rich with adventure, laughter, hard work, music, stories, and love. She was a light to those around her, a bundle of joy and energy who made every room brighter. She showed up for her family and never missed a reason to get together. Words alone cannot possibly capture the magnitude of her life or the impact she has had on so many people. She will be deeply missed, but her stories, her laughter, her adventurous spirit, and the love she poured into her family will continue through the generations she leaves behind.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Salinas Valley Fair Heritage Foundation, The Campaign for the Preservation of Mission San Antonio de Padua Foundation or the charity of your choice.

SERVICES:

Services will be held at St. John’s Catholic Church, 504 N. Third St., King City on October 9th. The Rosary will be at 10:30am followed by Funeral Services at 11:00am. There will be a celebration of life, immediately following the service, at the Salinas Valley Fair Grounds Expo Building. Please join us in celebrating the most amazing, beautiful, joyful woman and the incredible life she lived. A private burial for family only will be held at a later date. Patty, Mom, Nana- we will hold you forever in our hearts.

For additional information please contact, Eddington Funeral Services, 429 Bassett St., King City, (831)385-5400, www.EFS-Cares.com .