Patricia Lynn Horton

Patricia Lynn Just-Horton, known affectionately as Patty, passed away on November 5, 2024, at the age of 74, following a short yet courageous battle with cancer. Born on July 20 1950, in Granite Falls, Minnesota, she was the beloved daughter of Reinhard and Ellen Just. Patty's life journey began in an environment that cultivated her strong spirit and love for life.

Patty graduated from Mounds View High School in Mounds View, Minnesota, on May 28, 1968. She pursued her passion for cosmetology by attending beauty school, ultimately graduating from Pine Technical College in Pine City, Minnesota, on May 29, 1998. For over thirty years, Patty worked as a hairdresser while also balancing various jobs to provide for her daughter as a dedicated single mother. Over the last twenty years, she found fulfillment in her role at Provide Care in North Branch, Minnesota, where she cherished the daily interactions with her clients. She loved doing crafts, bringing her clients to the zoo and the Special Olympic bowling and basketball tournaments. 

Patty was proud of her accomplishments, including giving birth to her daughter, Heather, and purchasing and building her first home in 1990. At the age of 48, she graduated college as a medical secretary, showcasing her relentless determination to achieve her goals. In 2002, she found the love of her life, G8R, solidifying a connection that brought her immense happiness.

Those who knew Patty will fondly remember her bright smile and the beautiful twinkle in her brown eyes. She possessed a great sense of dry humor, always offering her opinions candidly while ensuring those around her felt welcomed and loved. She was described as a sassy gal who had a unique ability to make everyone feel special.

Patty was passionate about many activities. She enjoyed riding her Harley, regardless of the weather conditions (Shine, Rain, Hail, Snow (Beartooth Pass was the ride of a lifetime)), and found joy in tending to her beautiful flowers, which provided her with a nourishing escape that she affectionately referred to as her dirt therapy. Canoeing, fishing, and camping with her daughter were activities she cherished, and she had an endearing relationship with nature, often licking rocks she collected on her adventures to add to her treasured collection.

Patty is survived by her brother, Dale Sopkowiak; her daughter, Heather Heard; grandsons Dylan DeMars and Quinton (Kailey) DeMars; granddaughter Nikki (Braden) Carpenter; great-grandchildren Dominik and Gigi Carpenter; childhood friend Betty Jo Halverson; and many adopted children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren whom she embraced with open arms.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Reinhard and Ellen Just; her brother, Richard Just; her loving husband, G8R; son-in-law Rodney Heard; and long-time friend, Bernie.

A private family burial will take place at Fort Snelling in St. Paul, Minnesota on November 14, 2024.

A celebration of Patty's vibrant life will take place at Tailgaters (6355 Elm St, North Branch, MN 55056 ), on December 7, 2024, from 2 PM to 5 PM. Friends and family are invited to gather and honor the remarkable person Patty was, sharing in the warmth and joy that she brought into their lives. Please wear either the color purple or any Harley gear in remembrance of Patty. An open margarita bar, along with pulled pork sandwiches and snacks, will serve as a fitting tribute to her spirited personality. Patty Lynn Just-Horton will be dearly missed and forever cherished in the hearts of those she touched.