Patricia “Pat” Marie Reynolds Wallace, last seen hiking with friends on July 3, 2012, was discovered in Grand County, Colo., on Aug. 16, 2014, on the west side of the Continental Divide. It is the spot where she likely laid down her hiking poles for the last time on or about that July 3, 2012.

Pat was a resident of Lafayette, Colo. Previously she lived in Slippery Rock for 17 years.

This was the last chapter in the remarkable life of an exceptional mother, loving grandmother, caring sister, aunt, cousin, dear friend and responsible colleague, who will be remembered by many as the “eternal hiker.”

Pat was born to the late Geraldine Foley Reynolds and Alfred Reynolds on July 31, 1938. Exactly two years later she would begin to share her birthday with her dear brother, John, for the next 71 years.

After graduating as valedictorian from Rosedale High School in Kansas City, Kan., in 1956, Pat went on to receive her bachelor's degree from Emporia State University's Teachers College and her master's degree in library science from the University of Pittsburgh.

Patricia was a professional librarian from 1962 through 2000 when she retired as a tenured professor emeritus from the University of Colorado's Norlin Library. Throughout her career, Pat was a much-respected librarian in cataloging, serials and technical services at the University of Northern Colorado, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania and Emporia State University's Teachers College. She was editor for Colorado Libraries and Technical Services Quarterly.

Pat was a published author of more than 15 periodical articles in eight different publications. She was professionally active at numerous local, state and national library organizations, and she worked in many leadership positions in these organizations.

Pat moved to Colorado in 1981 to pursue her academic career and it was where she would discover and cultivate her greatest passion — hiking. Pat also loved to travel. She explored Africa, Ireland, Greece, New Zealand, England, Scotland, Wales, France, Spain, Costa Rica, Australia, Italy, Norway, and more, as well as traveling to most of the 50 states.

She participated in Earthwatch Institute tours, lending her efforts to dinosaur and castle excavations as well as nature preservation. She hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and high into the Alps, weathered snow storms, hail, rain and dust storms and always emerged with a satisfied smile on her face and enough gusto to take to the trail again.

Pat was married to Raymond Wallace from 1957 to 1981 and was mother to one child, Katherine Renee Wallace Moore, who she doted on and adored. She was a proud grandmother to Josh, Ben and Sean, and a happy great-grandmother to Jakob, Uriah, Kathryn and Shawn.

In addition to her parents, Pat was preceded in death by her two faithful Sheltie companions, Tiffany and Amber.

Pat is survived by her daughter, Katie (Larry) Moore; her brother, John (Pat) Reynolds; her half-sister, Harriet (Bill) Gibson; her three grandchildren, Josh (Brandy) Roth, Ben Roth and Sean (Katie) Roth; her four great-grandchildren; her nieces, Heather (Blair) Koster and Meredith Reynolds, and her grandnieces, Blythe and Jamin Koster and Daelyn Reynolds.

Pat also leaves behind many friends who have shared her adventures over the years, including her close hiking partners, Susan Harris and Georgia Briscoe, a band of ladies who fondly trekked to San Padre Island, Texas, annually; her group of Tuesday Hikers; and her Sheltie, Julie.

Wallace — Arrangements for Patricia “Pat” Marie Reynolds Wallace are private.Donations can be made in Patricia's name to the Colorado Trail Foundation, 710 10th St. 210, Golden, CO 80401.