✨ The family of Joretta Gruenwald, 87, joyfully celebrates her life and legacy as she peacefully passed on December 8, 2025, after courageously facing a long battle at Majestic Memory Care. Though she is no longer with us, her spirit, love, and laughter will forever shine in the hearts of those who knew her. ✨

Joretta Gruenwald was born on October 25, 1938, to Orval Olen and Hazel Tyson, devoted farmers in Willow, Oklahoma.

She was preceded in death by her father, Orval Tyson; her mother, Hazel Terry; her brother, Gilbert Warren Tyson; her sister, Patricia Joyce Miller; and her former husbands, Gary Dowse and Bob Emerson.

Joretta is lovingly remembered by her children:

• Richard Dean Patmor and his wife Lyn of Dayton, Nevada

• Dawn Renee Crivello and her husband Anthony of Hollywood, Florida

Her former spouses:

• Larry Gruenwald of Denver, Colorado

• Gary Patmor and his wife, Sheri of Murrieta, California

She is also survived by her sister, Janet Blazer, and her husband Kenneth.

Her legacy continues through her grandchildren, Tyler Stef and Ryan Stef and his husband, Nick, and her great-grandchildren: Lexi Stef, Luke Stef, Wyatt Stef, Oakley Stef, and Remi Stef.

Joretta’s memory will also be cherished by her numerous nephews and nieces.

She lived life with a warmth that drew people in, an uncanny resilience, and a spirit that never stopped exploring. One of Joretta’s greatest joys was found in the kitchen. She collected every cooking utensil imaginable, each one a tool for her creativity and care. Her fried chicken was legendary, her beef stroganoff rich and comforting, and her sour cherry cream pie unforgettable—a dish that carried both sweetness and a little tart surprise, much like her personality itself. Meals at her table were more than food; they were experiences of love, laughter, and togetherness.

Her adventurous soul was just as remarkable. She SCUBA dived beneath the waves, discovering hidden worlds of color and life. She soared through the sky as a skydiver, embracing the thrill of freefall with courage and exhilaration. She even modeled, carrying herself with elegance and confidence that reflected her inner strength. Each adventure was not just an activity, but a statement: she refused to let life pass her by. She embraced it fully, with curiosity, daring, and grace.

Her legacy of joy, courage, and boundless love lives on in the hearts of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren —who will continue to honor her by savoring every flavor, chasing every horizon, and living with both heart and boldness.

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