Patricia G. “Patsy” Schofield was born on July 3, 1948, in Pierre, South Dakota, the daughter of Matthew V. “Mike” and Thelma Jean (Fosheim) Schofield. She grew up in Midland and attended school there until the 11th grade. She graduated from Philip High School in 1966 and afterwards attended Black Hills Teachers College. She was a rural school teacher in Murdo and Ft. Pierre.
On December 19, 1967, Patsy was united in marriage to Claude Freeman and to this union three children were born, Claudette “CJ” Hoag, Jolene Marshall and Rebecca Freeman. They resided in Nelligan, Germany from 1971 to 1973 and Ft. Carson, Colorado from 1973 to 1979 while Claude served in the United States Army. Philip, South Dakota became their permanent home in 1979.
Patsy excelled and enjoyed her career as a program assistant at the Haakon County Farm Service Agency in Philip from 1981 to 2002, and the Northern County Office in Fairbanks, Alaska from 2002-2005. From 2006 until the time of her death she served as the Haakon County Auditor. Patsy worked hard her whole life to provide for her family and always felt it was an honor and a privilege to serve the people of her community. Patsy loved her home and making it beautiful. She will always be remembered for caring for those around her whether it be her children, grandchildren, friends, neighbors or complete strangers. This is reflected in her favorite Bible verse, “ So now faith, hope and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13.
Survivors include two daughters Jolene Marshall and her husband Bill of North Platte, Nebraska, and Becky Freeman of Philip; five grandchildren Erick Hoag, Hannah, Dillan, and Dalton Marshall, and Brett Freeman; two sisters Nancy Russell and her husband Tom of Black Hawk, and Nina Richardson and her husband Brent of Sheldon, North Dakota; five brothers Matt Schofield and his wife Carol, Michael Schofield and his wife Janice, Wade Schofield, and Jason Schofield and his wife Lisa, all of Philip, and Brad Schofield and his wife Debbie of Gillette, Wyoming; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Patricia was preceded in death by her daughter Claudette Jean “CJ” Hoag; her parents Thelma Jean and Matthew V. Schofield; and one granddaughter Samantha Marie Marshall.
Memorial services were held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 15, at the United Church in Philip, with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating.
Guest Book
So sorry to hear of your loss. Patsy will be missed by all that knew her.
~ Mr. & Mrs. Larry Schulz
Philip (3/11/2014)
I was so sorry to hear of the loss of Patsy. She was a truly special lady, and she always made me laugh. I hope it brings you comfort to know what a celebration she must be having with Uncle Mike, Aunt Jean, CJ, and her granddaughter right now. My thoughts and prayers will be with those she left behind. It's so hard to lose someone so special. I wish you God's grace and comfort through this difficult time.
~ Lisa Jonas
Pierre, SD (3/11/2014)
This is too sad for words. Patsy was one of the most warm-hearted people I have known. We can take comfort in the thought of the reunion going on in heaven. Our sympathies to her entire family.
~ Jeanie & Boyd Waara
Philip (3/11/2014)
So sorry to hear of your loss. Pat was a wonderful person who loved her family and was so proud of them. We were both county auditors and I always enjoyed visiting with her....she was a true jewel. Thanks to those of you that took the time to make sure she got to our meetings - I enjoyed meeting and visiting with you. You made Pat's life very special
~ Kathy Glines
Harding County, SD (3/11/2014)
Becca and Jolene, I am saddened and shocked at the loss of your mom,sorry for what you are all going through,she was a wonderful lady and a great neighbor for many years!
~ Gina Thorson
wadena mn (3/11/2014)
To Patsy's family, So sorry to hear of the loss of Patsy, she will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Amelia
~ Amelia Hurley
Philip, SD (3/11/2014)
I'm so sorry for the loss of such a loving woman. She will be missed by all who met her. Lots of love to the whole family. The Pugh's
~ Allison Pugh
Philip, SD (3/11/2014)
Becky, Jolene and families,
There are not enough words to express the sadness that losing Patsy brings. She was a gentle person with a wonderful personality and a deep sense of family. I will miss that laugh, her caring ways, and I will miss my friend. I am so glad she had people to welcome her and the reunion must be wonderful! Our thoughts and prayers are with you, and if you need a hug or a prayer, let me know! May God keep you in his care in the days ahead!
~ Donnie and Bobette Schofield
Milesville, SD (3/11/2014)
I am very sorry for you loss. I enjoyed getting to know her when we attended meetings together as county auditors. She would beam when she talked about her family. My sincere sympathy to your family.
~ Karen Layher
Milbank, SD (3/11/2014)
So sorry to hear of your loss - may God comfort you with the good memories you have.
~ Eileen Stolley
Kadoka (3/11/2014)
My thoughts and prayers are with all you during this difficult time.
~ Camille Kelly-Hinrickson
Sioux Falls (3/11/2014)
We have lost a wonderful woman...am glad I got to work with her and have known her for long time. She had a wonderful heart and I will always remember our visits we had..GOD BLESS YOU ALL...AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS...
~ Nancy Neville
Philip (3/11/2014)
Jolene, Becky & families, So sorry to hear the loss of your mom, may God & your memories bring you comfort. Bless you all, you are in our thoughts & prayers.
~ Floren & Debbie Falzone
Philip, SD (3/11/2014)
Becca- You and your mother have a bond like no other I've seen. Your deep and unconditional love for each other will remain unfazed even by death.
~ Thomas Delcid
Sioux Falls SD (3/11/2014)
To Patsy's family--please know you are in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this new journey without this wonderful woman, Patsy, in your life. She had a smile that was never ending. I pray for God to hold you close and comfort you.
Roxy and Ray
~ Roxy Formanek
Hermosa SD (3/11/2014)
We were so sad to hear this. Patsy and I were class mates.
~ Al and Grace Hunt
716 17th Ave. Wahpeton,N.D.58075 (3/11/2014)
Sorry for your loss. Having lost my mom to cancer, I understand how trying these times can be. Sorry I can't be there on Saturday due to a recent illness. My thought are with you.
~ Roger Kelly & Family
27287 Cypress Avenue, Tea, SD (3/11/2014)
Prayers go out to your family sorry for your loss. We lost a great wonderful person but heaven gained an angel.
~ Paul Haakinson
Harrisburg, SD (3/11/2014)
Shock and saddness fills my heart with your loss of a beloved Mother, Grandmother, dear sister, niece and friend. Patsy was, indeed, a very special, giving lady. She has had more than her share to deal with and now is at peace.
~ Tina Haug
28868 Clover Road Pierre SD 57501 (3/11/2014)
To Patsy's family,
We are so very sorry for your loss - Patsy always had a smile and a laugh and will certainly be missed. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
~ Randy & Holly Nemec
Midland (3/11/2014)
Sometimes there are just not enough words to comfort ones soul. But one thing I do know is Pat was a loving caring woman who spent her life giving to others! She always gave life her best shot...what an example to the world to live by! I will truly miss her!
~ Judy Goldhammer
Wall SD (3/11/2014)
Patsy was a wonderful person. She will be missed very much. All of my love to the family.
~ Cheryl Gartner
Box Elder S.D. (3/11/2014)
sending my deepest sympathy for Patsy's family. She was a wonderful woman.
~ Bonnie moses
Nebraska (3/11/2014)
Prayer and sympathy too the family. Patsy was a wonderful person.
~ cerrie Bierwagen
cheyenne, wy (3/11/2014)
We are thinking of you folks during this difficult time. Hold onto the good memories.
~ Les & Joann Pearson
Philip (3/11/2014)
Sending our deepest sympathy to all of you she was a wonderful person hold on to all the memories. We will keep all of you in our prayers during the difficult road ahead.
~ Rudy & Susan Roth
Philip (3/11/2014)
Jolene,Becca & family
Im so sorry to hear of your mothers passing, lots of memories at her house as a young girl going down to play ad her always welcoming us as if we were her own children. She was one of the most caring, warm hearted women I have encountered. No words can describe how much we will all miss her but heaven has definitely got a pretty awesome angel now :)
~ Beth Gartner-Gakin
Rapid City (3/11/2014)
I'm so sorry to hear of Patsy's passing. When I would get back home and have to go to the court house to do business, I always liked to stop in and touch base with Patsy. This is a very difficult time. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with your family. May God bless and keep you.
~ Mary Hengstler
Sundance, WY (3/11/2014)
To the family of Patsy Freeman,
I'm very sorry about the loss of your loved one. I wanted to share a scriptural hope that gave me so much comfort when my mother died and I hoped it would help you also. The Bible shows that God did not intend for humans to die. (Romans 5:12). It also calls death an enemy. (1 Corinthians 15:26). God has made arrangements to remove death forever. (Isaiah 25:8). God has also set a time when he will resurrect our loved ones who have already died. (John 5:28,29). In the meantime, he promises to give us the inner peace to cope with our loss. (Philippians 4:7). Please go to jw.org to find satisfying answers using your own Bible. Sincerely, Susan Novak
~ Susan Novak
Portola (3/11/2014)
Becca and family, I know this is very difficult for you all. Please know you are you are all in my prayers. I have faith that Pat is well and waiting to be with you again in Heaven. She was such a loving person and will be greatly missed.
~ Donna Hart
Garland, Texas (3/11/2014)
There are hardly words to describe how wonderful and friendly Patsy was...a true angel. I'm so sorry for your loss; she will definitely be missed by all that knew her.
~ Cori Barber
Rapid City, SD (3/11/2014)
I met Pat when we lived one summer in Midland. We sneaked downstairs one sleep-over night to get fresh doughnuts that Jean was frying at midnight! Later I had the opportunity to work with her at ASCS/FSA in Philip. She was always so friendly and helpful to me and I enjoyed her company. I am so sorry to hear of the loss of this dear person. You are all in my thoughts.
~ Gayle & Ralph Matz
Brookings (3/11/2014)
Prayers to your family. So sorry for your loss.
~ Bonnie Fitzgerald
Memphis,TN (3/11/2014)