Patricia Lorraine (Mudlin) Vance, 84, of Laramie, Wyoming, passed away peacefully at her home on December 13, 2025.
Patricia was born on March 1, 1941, in Rosebud, South Dakota, to Esther and Patrick Mudlin. She spent her early years in South Dakota before moving to Laramie during elementary school, a place that would remain her home for the rest of her life.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Sandy Mudlin Hankins; her brother, Patrick “Sonny” Mudlin; her nephew Lex Lewis; and her beloved husband, Pete Vance.
Patricia was first married to Jerry Overman in 1961 and welcomed two daughters, Jerri and Deborah. In 1986, she married Pete Vance, whom she met at the bowling alley. Together they shared a love of bowling and camping, creating many happy memories until Pete’s passing in 1993.
Patricia was a devoted homemaker until 1987 when she then worked alongside her family in the hospitality industry until her retirement in 2003. Over the years at the family business, she ran the housekeeping unit with ease. She even patiently passed on her strong work ethic to her grandchildren who “worked” with her. Many core memories were created there, with Grandma there almost every day.
Her greatest joy really was her family—especially her grandchildren. She was lovingly called “Double G-Pat” (Great Grandma Pat) by all. She never missed their activities and took great pride in being present for every milestone. She loved creating special memories with them, teaching them her cherished secret recipes, and simply spending time together.
Patricia was an avid reader and a dedicated bowler, participating in many bowling leagues over the years. She delighted in collecting tea sets and owls, and searching for those treasures at flea markets and garage sales. Her home was a full display of beautiful collectibles gathered over the years. Patricia took great pride in caring for her beloved cats, Tiger Lily and Bella and feeding peanuts to the neighborhood squirrels.
She is survived by her daughters, Jerri Overman Rauer and her husband Wayne, and Deborah Overman Whaley (Amber and Kristen Hanlon); her sister, Betty Mudlin Lewis; her grandchildren, Kelsey Rauer and her fiancé Ben Farber, and Steven Rauer and his wife Maia; her great-grandchildren, Silas and Kylie; as well as cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Patricia will be remembered as a devoted grandmother, a loving mother, and a cornerstone of her family.
A private family gathering will be held at a later date.
