Priscilla " Pat" Ann Vannett

Priscilla Ann Vannett

“Pat” or “Pris”

Priscilla Ann Vannett, affectionately known as Pat or Pris, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at the age of 82 at Swedish Hospital in Colorado.

Born in Paradise, Kansas, Pat was one of seven children of Ray and Nora Hughes. Though her early years were marked by hardship—including separation from her siblings and time in foster care—she emerged as a woman of strength, grace, and unwavering faith.

She attended Campion Academy, a boarding school in Colorado, where she discovered her love for music, athletics, and lasting friendships. It was there she met her first husband, Roger Sparks, the brother of her roommate. Together they raised three children: Gary, Lesa, and Diane. Pat was a devoted and nurturing mother—always welcoming, always ready to set an extra plate for her children’s friends at the table, and always opening her heart and home to anyone in need of comfort or belonging.

A true servant at heart, Pat dedicated herself to charitable work, supporting causes for unwed mothers and international exchange students. Her life reflected deep compassion, radiant hospitality, and a generosity that expected nothing in return.

Years later, while living in Wyoming, Pat met her husband, Wes Vannett—a man who became her most cherished companion and trusted partner in every sense. Together, they built a life filled with adventure, skiing, snowmobiling, and camping with friends and family. Pat was known not only for her warm spirit but also for her beauty and style—she was always fashionably dressed and carried herself with elegance and grace. Her outward poise reflected the same care she extended to others, and her presence left a lasting impression wherever she went.

Pat’s faith was the foundation of her life. As a devoted member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, she led music ministry and lovingly organized weekly potluck dinners, fostering fellowship through food and worship. Her love of Scripture and personal relationship with Jesus guided her every day and enriched her connections with others.

She joyfully participated in two mission trips to Mexico, working with fellow volunteers and other family members to rebuild schools and churches. She embraced the people and the purpose, immersing herself in service with humility and grace.

Pat was also known for her beautiful handwriting and poetic spirit. Her handwritten cards were treasures—each filled with words of encouragement, reflection, and love. To receive a note from Pat was to be reminded you were seen, valued, and prayed for.

Pat made frequent trips to Dallas to see her daughter, Diane, and delighted in the fantastic food, shopping, and activities with Diane’s family—but she always longed to return to the ranch, often saying, “I would rather be in heaven than leave my home.” She also made regular visits to California to see her son, Gary, where she loved the weather and the many projects they enjoyed working on together. Still, she always knew she was destined to live her years in the home that she and Wes built.

She especially cherished the visits from her brother, Terry and life Partner, Dorthy Trom over thirteen years that they passed through Cheyenne on their annual travels, sharing time, stories, and a unique sibling bond forged through their shared childhood experiences in separate foster homes.

Pat served the State of Wyoming for 25 years through her work with Wyoming Emergency Management (WEMA), and she retired from public service with distinction.

She is also survived by two of Wes’s three daughters: Terri Johnson of Minot, ND; DeeAnn Hansen of Cheyenne, WY. She was preceded in death by Kathy Vannett Smith (2023).

She is survived by her children: Gary Sparks and wife Karla of Simi Valley, CA; Diane Sparks and Wayne Clements, Jr. of Dallas, TX.

Her grandchildren: Valorie Poh of Las Vegas; Rachelle Pendleton of Las Vegas; Tanner Etheridge of Dallas.

Her great-granddaughter: Serenity Pendleton.

Her brother: Terry Lee Hughes of Blooming Prairie, MN.

Her nephew and nieces: Randy E. Hughes of White Bear Lake, MN; Tanya S. Hughes of Minneapolis, MN; Nichole L. Hughes-Bourgoin of Minneapolis, MN.

Pat was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Wes Vannett (2013), and her daughter, Lesa Sparks (2000).

A celebration of Pat’s life will be held Sunday, August 3rd at Campion Academy in Loveland, Colorado. More information will be available through Wiederspahn-Radomsky Funeral Home, Cheyenne. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Campion Academy Scholarship in memory of Pat Vannett (Priscilla Hughes)

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions… I go to prepare a place for you.” — John 14:1–2