Patsy Mink Sullivan

Pasty (Mink) Sullivan of Sunriver, Oregon died suddenly on March 14, 2017 in her winter home at the Fountain of Youth Spa in Niland, California, she was 85.

Patsy was born to Edd and Vera Mink in Gooding, Idaho on August 11, 1931. The family’s early years were spent in Nevada and Boring, OR where Patsy started first grade. In 1943 they moved to Prineville, OR where Patsy finished her schooling, graduating Crook County High School in 1949. She was active in many clubs and activities including cheerleading and serving on the Crooked River Roundup court as Princess. After high school, she furthered her education, graduating from Beauty College in Eugene, OR.

She moved to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1952 to pursue a dancing and modeling career. There she met and married John Battaglia. Patsy and John made their home in Hollywood, CA with their two sons, Eddie and John. She enjoyed being a homemaker and caring for her family and living the California lifestyle. She then began a long career as an entrepreneur, first owning and operating an upscale wig salon in Beverly Hills, CA.

Patsy returned to Prineville in 1964 where she opened the ‘Fair Lady’ beauty salon at the historic Ochoco Inn. In 1966 Patsy married Ronnie Raymond and the following year gave birth to their daughter Rita. The couple owned and operated a number of ranches in the Central Oregon area which served as a home base for their Double R Rodeo Company.

Seeing opportunity in Sun River, Pasty moved there and opened the ‘Hair Loft’ in 1975. She enjoyed the resort atmosphere and serving people. Patsy loved her children and made many sacrifices. In the early 1980’s as Rita entered high school, Patsy purchased property and moved to the Redmond area so Rita could compete on the Redmond High School Rodeo team.

In 1989 Pasty married Dennis (Denny) Sullivan at their home in Sun River. Over the years, they traveled to many foreign locations and pursed common interests, including Denny’s ‘World Class’ Senior Track & Field career. They worked tirelessly beautifying their home on the Deschutes River as well as entertaining family and friends. They enjoyed spending the winter months at their Southern California home.

Patsy was a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ—her hope was Heaven. She was a member of the Community Bible Church at Sunriver.

Patsy is survived by her husband, Denny Sullivan, of Sun River; children Eddie (Debbie) Bennett of Prineville; John (Linda) Bennett Battaglia of Las Vegas; Rita (Jerry) Larrance of Madras; step-son Shannon (Jane) Sullivan of Massachusetts; grandchildren, John Green, Kyli Bennett and Jeri May Larrance; step-grandchildren, Natalie Sullivan and Brendan Sullivan; and 4 great grandchildren; sister Virginia (Jim) Barney of Prineville and 2 nephews, John Rhoden and Ron Rhoden. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother John Mink and nieces Kathy Rhoden and Jackie Rhoden.

Patsy was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She had many friends whom she loved dearly. Our birthdays will not be the same without her singing telegrams. 

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