Patricia Kay Stokka, age 65, resident of Binford, ND passed away Saturday, January 22, 2011 at her home.

Patty was born in Waco, TX on April 15, 1945 to Bill and Vernis (Hoveskeland) Haines. In 1946 they moved to Binford where she graduated High School in 1963. She attended UND for two years and Valley City State for two years, graduating with a major in education. During the summers she was the recreational director at Red Willow Resort teaching swimming, dancing & archery, among other programs. On November 7, 1971 she married the love of her life Melvyn Stokka and resided in rural Binford.

Patty had a passion for gardening and her pets and was often seen tending to the flowers at Red Willow. She was an avid reader and was known for her thoughtful hand written letters. Her laughter and smiles could warm even the coldest of days. She treated everyone like she had known them for years and had a way of sensing if someone was in pain or needed a kind word or soft shoulder. She never took her days for granted and always cherished even the smallest of moments. Patty will be missed for her warm smile, kind words and large heart. Her love for the Lord and His word was her favorite pastime. She was a member of the Gospel Tabernacle Church in Binford.

Patty will be missed and remembered by her loving husband of 39 years; her sons Michael (Atonya) of Cooperstown and Matthew (Carolyn) of West Fargo; her daughters Ann (Mike) Haugen of Minto and Mari (Craig) Fossen of Fargo; her mother Vernis Haines of Binford; 5 grandchildren, 3 brothers and 1 sister.

Patty was preceded in death by her father, daughter Andrea and grandson Isaac.

Funeral services for Patty will be Friday, January 28, 2011 at 2:00 PM in the Bethany Free Lutheran Church of Binford. Visitation will be Thursday, January 27, 2011 from 3 PM to 7 PM with a 7 PM prayer service in the Cooperstown Funeral Chapel, visitation will continue one hour prior to services in the church. Spring interment will be at the Gospel Tabernacle Cemetery, rural Binford, ND.