Patricia "Pat" Clifford, Sioux Falls, SD, died May 31, 2026, at her residence at Good Samaritan Village, Sioux Falls, SD.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9:30 am at the Cathedral of St. Joseph, 521 N. Duluth Avenue in Sioux Falls. Visitation will take place from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at Miller Funeral Home, 507 S. Main Avenue in Sioux Falls, with a prayer service beginning at 6:00 pm.

Patricia "Pat" Clifford was born on August 13, 1933, in Canton, South Dakota, to George and Ellen (Brazzel) Clifford. She grew up in a vibrant household as one of thirteen children, surrounded by five older sisters, two older brothers, and five younger brothers.

A graduate of Canton High School, Patricia demonstrated an early talent for writing and lettered in journalism. She pursued higher education with studies in Salt Lake City, Utah, and San Diego, California, paving the way for a diverse and accomplished career. Her professional journey included dedicated roles at KELO-TV and the Manchester Biscuit Company. While working as an executive secretary for an oceanographic firm in San Diego, she had the distinct honor of meeting the renowned French oceanographer, Jacques Cousteau. Later in her career, Patricia served as the Director of Student Financial Aid at Sioux Valley Hospital. Outside of her primary career, she modeled for Fenn's Ice Cream and proudly represented her community in the 1956 Miss South Dakota pageant, sponsored by the local Pontiac/Cadillac dealership.

Patricia was a woman of many passions, including skiing, sailing, and traveling. In 1965, she enthusiastically supported her brother, Ron, during the founding of Great Bear Ski Valley. Demonstrating her deep devotion to family, she became the primary caretaker for her mother and her youngest brother, who had Down syndrome, starting in the mid-1970s. Her commitment to family legacy culminated in her authoring a family history book titled One of the Cliffords.

A devout woman of faith, Patricia was a dedicated member of St. Joseph Cathedral since 1954, where she participated actively in the Catholic Daughters and the Cathedral's women's group. She cherished her lifelong friendship with Cathy and John Moneke.

Patricia is survived by her brother, Ron Clifford, and his wife, Linda, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members. She was preceded in death by her siblings: Mary Zimmerman, Marge DuVall, Colleen Clifford, Joan Heissel, Michael "Bud" Clifford, George Clifford, Jerry Clifford, Dennis Clifford, Jackie Clifford, Charlie Clifford, and Delores Ulrickson.

Interment will take place alongside her family at Grace Hill Cemetery in Hawarden, Iowa.