Patricia Ann (McManus) Gass, 79

Patricia Ann (McManus) Gass, 79, peacefully passed away Saturday, Sept. 16, 2006, surrounded by her children. Patricia was born Aug. 31, 1927, in Bemidji, Minn.

The Vigil Service (Rosary) will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 200,6 at Coffelt's Funeral Chapel, 109 North Division St., Sandpoint, Idaho.

The Funeral Mass for Patricia will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2006, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, in Sandpoint, with Father Dennis C. Day officiating. Interment will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park Cemetery.

For many years, Patricia worked in clerical positions for the U.S. Forest Service, Northern Lights, and various businesses in Sandpoint. She often referred to commercial fishing for blue back on Lake Pend Oreille as the best job of her life.

Patricia married John D. Gass on Nov. 21, 1949, in Sandpoint, Idaho.

She was an active member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church and frequently managed the church's program for serving meals to the area's poor.

Among her numerous talents, she was an excellent and creative cook. In 1989 she co-authored with her brother, Patrick McManus, a memoir/cookbook titled, "Whatchagot Stew".

As well as contributing numerous of her own recipes, Patricia personally tested all the book's recipes, many of which had been contributed by local Bonner County residents, such as Ralph Hanson, Paul Croy, and Mae Russell, to mention a few. A national magazine selected "Whatchagot Stew" as one of the best cookbooks of the year.

Pat, as she was known by her numerous friends, is survived by her sons, Michael of Kirkland, Wash., and Shaun of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho; her daughter, Lynn Wells of Sandpoint as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded by her husband of 47 years, John D. Gass, on May 5, 1996.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Coffelt Funeral Service.