Patricia "Pat" Kenyon

Pat Kenyon, 91, of Santa Cruz passed away on July 22, 2026. She will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, a devoted sister, a great family member, a wonderful friend and colleague, and an exceptionally positive person throughout her life.

Pat was born on January 14, 1935, in Santa Cruz to Ray and Alberta Willbanks and had a great childhood with sister Raeberta and brother Jim. The Willbanks family grew throughout the years to include spouses and their children. Pat was thrilled to call Santa Cruz home for the entirety of her life.

While attending Santa Cruz High School, Pat met and married the love of her life, her husband of 65 years, Bob. Pat and Bob were delighted to welcome three children – Kathie, Terry, and Steve. Their family expanded over the years to include spouses of their children, five grandchildren (and spouses), and thirteen great grandchildren.

Pat was employed for many years by the Soquel Union School District before taking a job with the City of Santa Cruz in 1976 as the Secretary to the City Manager. She went on to serve as the Santa Cruz City Clerk for 10 years. She expanded her training and skills to become a Certified Municipal City Clerk and was recognized by the City Council for her unwavering commitment to accurate reporting and recordkeeping of Council actions.

Pat and Bob loved to travel together and enjoyed many cross-country road trips to see the seasons change, visiting lighthouses and oceans near and far. And if there was a stream in the area, Pat was the first one to roll up her pantlegs and dip her toes in the water.

Pat is survived by daughter Kathie Kenyon, daughter Terry Dorsey (Greg), and son Steve Kenyon (Shari), as well as her sister Rae Sporl. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Amanda Kenyon, Rob Kenyon (Tiffany), Brian Kenyon, Nicole Carl (Ryan), and Meredith Bennett (Lucas), as well as by great grandchildren Conrad and Aveline Quillen, Ruby Givens, Titus and Caleb Kenyon, Ellis Pocock-Kenyon, Quincy Kenyon, Chase Carl, and Hunter (Olivia), Reed, Marissa, Trigg, and Emma Bennett.

Memorial gifts can be sent to Second Harvest Food Bank, 800 Ohlone Parkway, Watsonville, CA 95076 at www.thefoodbank.org/donate