Patricia (Pat) Alma Kidder. Adventurous, delightful, sharp as a whip and fiercely independent, leaves a legacy of loving memories, a stash of empty chocolate wrappers and a vast collection of treasured trinkets for her loved ones.

Although she passed on September 7, 2025, in Big Rapids at the age of 82, her indomitable spirit continues to both awe and inspire those she knew and loved.

Pat was born in Corpus Christi, Texas November 9, 1942, to John and Donna (Halladay) Ernst. Raised in Lansing, she later married Otto Miller and raised four children in Reed City, MI. Ever the optimist, Pat's resilience and tenacity were put to the test with the discovery of the PBB contamination that ultimately resulted in lost livelihoods for thousands of farming families like hers in addition to a wide range of negative health issues. Despite the slow, conflicting political response as well as negative public scrutiny, Pat realized early on this wasn't just a small town Michigan problem. She set out to educate herself and advocate with others by forming the PBB action committee, ultimately lobbying on behalf of all the families impacted by this chemical disaster. Pat referred to these as her "crusading years" and her impressive accomplishments are recognized and preserved at the Clark Memorial Library at Central Michigan University.

This life altering disaster not only highlighted her skills as an advocate and activist, but led to living the richest life on a shoestring budget.

Shortly after retiring as a public transportation dispatcher and driver, Pat took her first solo international trip in 2012 to Ecuador, embracing a Spanish language immersion course while exploring the local history and culture. While subbing as a caretaker at the Airbnb in Cuenca, she met guests who became friends and later they traveled to Italy, Croatia and Istanbul together. There was also that solo trip to Thailand, and an adventure in Budapest!  Dispersed throughout these international trips was a variety of domestic travels throughout the United States and Canada with her dear friends, various family members and her partner-in-crime cousin. Pat had such an enthusiastic zest for life. Always eager to hear of another's adventurous tale and even more excited to say "let's go!"

Pat is survived by her four children: Cameron Miller, Karen (Daniel) Lee, Corey (Melissa) Miller, and Kendra Miller (Kim Belland); grandchildren: Samantha, Kasey, Allison, Erica, Annie, and Monica; great-grandchildren: Collin, Heidi Colton, Clayton, and Landon; as well as her brother, John (Patti) Ernst; half-brother, R. Jack (Sue) Ernst; and several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by both parents and two siblings: Dr. Jeffrey L. Ernst and Pamela J. Tubbs. Also preceded in death by her second husband Nathan "Mick" Martin Kidder; with whom she shared a passion for expediting and exploring the United States.

There is no memorial scheduled at this time but a celebration of her amazing life will be in the spring. Arrangements are in the care of Daggett Gilbert Funeral Homes, Big Rapids. To share a memory or leave a condolence, please visit www.daggettfuneral.com