Patricia (Pat) M Eiland

January 1, 1947 - December 7, 2021

Patricia (Pat) Michelle Eiland, age 73, of Grove, Oklahoma passed away peacefully Tuesday, December 7th, 2021. Pat began her journey on January 1, 1947 at Camp Carson, Colorado. She was born four minutes into the New Year to Claude and Lucille (Sebold) Potts. At the time, her father was in the Air Force and the small family which included her parents and brother Claude Jr., were residing in Colorado Springs. Like most military families she was accustomed to adapting and thriving in change and challenge. She lived in twelve of the United States and six foreign countries before returning to San Bernardina, California when her father was transferred there prior to retirement. She always insisted that this background served her well in making lasting relationships with classmates and later with members of her community. She graduated with honors from Pacific High School and then from San Bernardina Valley College with an Associates of Arts Degree. She was a member of competitive choirs in both schools, and she recalled singing with, and dating, Kris Kristofferson in college. As she advanced through several positions from County Social Worker to Citibank Loan Officer, she met the love of her life, Roger Eiland. Together they flourished in the financial world where Roger was a Vice President in a large corporation in San Francisco. Retiring they moved to San Clemente, California where they soon decided they needed a new challenge, and they opened a 5 Aces pizza restaurant. Retiring a second time they moved to Adelanto, California. Pat got restless. She began researching the best communities in the United States for retirees. She found Grove in the top ten. Never one to dilly dally, she told Roger she’d see him in a week. She returned from Grove and told him he would love Grove, and she had made a down payment on a house. Well, she was right, Roger loved Grove. They bought a fishing boat before their new house closed escrow. One of the first things they did after moving into their new home was to join Volunteers in Police Services (VIPS) and they remained lifetime members. Next, they located the tennis and pickle ball courts. Pat had a zest for life and a genuine love for people. She loved Grove as a community, the people of Grove, and what that community offered. Pat and Roger enjoyed life together for forty wonderful years and they are now together again. There are no services planned at this time. A donation to the American Cancer Society in her name would be greatly appreciated. Pat is survived by her brother Claude Potts and his wife Carol who reside in Redlands, California.