Patricia Carolyn Ewen

Patricia “Pat” Carolyn Ewen age 86, passed away on October 2, 2023 under hospice care at Capella of Grand Junction from complications after surgery.  She was born to J. Morgan Smith Jr. and Elizabeth Smith on August 31, 1937 in Denver, Colorado.

Pat was a kind, loving and caring spirit.  She established many close friendships over the years and was a very active member in her communities.  She enjoyed outdoor activities including hiking, skiing, gardening, tennis and coffee with the ladies.

Pat’s father was a career Forest Service employee and she was able to move around the country with his positions.  Her fondest memories were living at the Ranger Station in Hot Sulphur Springs, CO.  She graduated from Bethesda Chevy Chase High School, Bethesda MD, in 1955.  Attended Maryville College, Maryville TN, for 2 years before transferring to the University of Colorado Boulder, where she graduated in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science in Education and minor in science.  Pat was a prominent member of Alpha Omicron Pi (AOII) sorority while at CU. 

Over the years Pat taught in the Denver Public Schools, Mesa County Schools in Grand Junction, Cache La Poudre Schools in Ft. Collins, Craig Middle School in Craig and Pomona Elementary in Montrose until her retirement in 1995, after 36 years of teaching.  In 1979 she was an active participant in the start-up of the Jump Rope for Heart event for elementary and middle school kids.  She coached Junior High/High School Track during her teaching career in addition to being a swimming instructor over the summer months. 

Pat was a very active hiker with a great group of friends out of Montrose, logging over 150 excursions.  She climbed two 14er’s while in her 70’s!  An avid skier, Pat taught her 2 kids to ski at Steamboat Springs.  She was also an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Montrose.

Her husband of 55 years, Bill Ewen pre-deceased her on October 22, 2016.  She is survived by her brother Jay Smith (wife Mary) in Indianapolis IN, two children in Colorado: Steve (wife Jean, grandchildren Ryan (wife Rachel and first great grandchild James) and Matthew), Kristi Hanks (husband Andy, grandchildren Gavin, Kassidie, Kaci Rae and Isaiah). 

A memorial celebration will be held in Montrose, Colorado, sometime in the spring of 2024.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Pat’s honor may be made to the following:

Ouray Mountain Rescue Team, PO Box 220, Ouray, CO 81427, www.ouraymountainrescue.com or

Society of Health & Physical Education – SHAPE America, PO Box 225, Annapolis Junction, MD 20701, www.shapeamerica.org/about/donate