Patsy Ann Johnson 1942–2017

Patsy Ann Bridge, 75, of Hay Springs passed away October 6, 2017 in her

home, surrounded by her children. Her life time of love and commitment to her

children was by far her greatest gift and accomplishment, one her family will

treasure forever.

Patsy was born July 9, 1942 in Rushville, Nebraska to James “Jim” Johnson

and Hazel Watson Johnson, the oldest of three children. The family lived on the

Mary Green farm 2 miles east of Hay Springs and she attended Harmony Home

school until they moved to the Henry Olson farm south of town, where she

attended Active Alcove, District 56. She attended Hay Springs High School,

graduating as valedictorian in 1960.

Patsy met Richard Bridge while still in high school and a relationship began,

one that would last more than 57 years. Patsy and Richard were married July 31,

1960 in the old Methodist Church in Hay Springs, with Richard wheeling her down

the street in the wheelbarrow, a local tradition. They moved into the Alcorn

Apartments in Hay Springs where they welcomed Morgan Kay and Terry Ray.

In 1964, they purchased the LaForrest Willis acreage south of Hay Springs.

They spent the next few years landscaping, remodeling, and improving the

property. Kirby Lee was welcomed into the family during this time. Fond

memories include building the garage, raising a large garden, and purchasing their

first cow, Mrs. Moo and Queenie, a Shetland pony.

In 1965, Patsy began working as Executive Director at Sunset Heights,

where she met many wonderful people developing fond memories for both she

and her family which continued long after she was no longer the Director.

In 1970 the family moved to the Grandma Flora Hagedorn place southwest

of Hay Springs, where Richard began farming and ranching. Wendy Lynn joined

the family in 1971. Early in 1972, Patsy also assumed the duties of City Clerk for

the City of Hay Springs and in May of 1972, Patsy assumed the position of

Administrator of Pioneer Manor Nursing Home. She continued working as the

Administrator until December 2009, when she retired after giving 37 years of her

life caring for the elderly loved ones in the community. She took great pride in

her role as Administrator and truly developed Pioneer Manor into be a place

“where Love and Hope abides”.

Patsy was an accomplished cake decorator, with wedding cakes being her

specialty. Many marriages throughout the Northwest Panhandle of Nebraska

were blessed by a cake from Patsy, including the one with the baby toe imprint

where Wendy “kicked” the cake as the cake was transported. Patsy was also a

skilled seamstress, an avid gardener, and a talented quilter, winning many quilting

awards. She was also an excellent cook, with her chicken on the bone and potato

salad one of her family’s favorite dishes. She loved her flower gardens and yard,

which brought her great peace and contentment. Patsy also loved to antique

shop, attending many estate sales and scouring antique stores looking for

“treasures” which now grace her home. Patsy loved her community, one she

never left. She worked tirelessly on the Hay Springs Centennial celebration and

spent countless hours on the Centennial book.

Patsy was continuously active. Even after retirement, she remained busy

quilting, serving her church, and volunteering at the Dawes County museum, as

well as attending many of her grandchildren’s activities.

Patsy’s greatest pride, joy and accomplishment was her family. She was

extremely proud of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She

enjoyed hearing and participating in their lives. She was the consummate

cheerleader, thrilled with the successes of her family, and also there when things

did not go well, offering a shoulder to cry on, or listening and gently offering

advice. She was the family source of wisdom and advice and the pivotal base

upon which her entire family revolved.

Patsy is preceded in death by her husband Richard, parents, Jim and Hazel

Johnson and Richard’s parents James and Almira Bridge.

Celebrating Patsy’s life are her children, Morgan Bridge, Terry (Dea) Bridge,

Kirby (Kathy) Bridge, and Wendy (Rodney) Chasek. Her grandchildren and great

grandchildren include Patric (Jessica) Bridge with their children, Evelyn and Aaron,

Brendan and Kole Bridge, Kelsey, Kalli and Kinzie Bridge, Ryan (Andrea) Westlake,

Lacy (Travis) Johnson, with their new little girl, Bo Westlake, Kyle (Jesse) Westlake

with their children Brynli and Karson, and Tyler Westlake and her cherished

brothers and sisters in law, Joe and Butch Johnson and Jim and Gladys Johnson, as

well as numerous nieces/nephews, and cousins.