Patricia Ann Smith (nee Young) died at her home in Overland Park, Kansas on Friday morning, September 18, 2020. Her life in this world ended after a determined battle with cancer at the age of 85.
Pat was born December 17, 1934 in Atlantic, Iowa to Kenneth Walter Young and Mary Emeline Young (nee Bean), a railroad focused family. She grew up in Des Moines, Iowa and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Pat attended Classen High School (Oklahoma City) followed by Oklahoma City University. She completed and received her bachelor's degree in education from the University of Kansas in 1956. She began her teaching career in what is now the Shawnee Mission School District, teaching 2nd grade and kindergarten. She later earned her certification in Library Science from the University of Missouri - Kansas City.
In early 1958, Pat met Dean Raymond Smith at Old Mission Methodist Church in Fairway, Kansas. The couple were married on December 21st of that year and began a joyful life together that spanned nearly 62 years. Her life centered around Dean and their children Ron, Mardi, and Lisa.
After completing her teaching career at South Park Elementary School Pat worked for a time in the Johnson County Library system. She was always at home in a library and was thrilled to share the joy of reading with children and adults alike. She was a vociferous reader who received much pleasure from a variety of genres of literature. In her later years she was never without her Kindle or iPad. For many years Pat served at Old Mission United Methodist Church as she shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ with young and old and volunteered in the church library. She enjoyed sewing and crafts and meeting with her close friends. The home was rarely without a dog or cat, which always looked first to her for attention and care which she cheerfully provided.
Pat will be remembered and cherished primarily for her complete devotion to her family. There was no better day than being surrounded by those she loved. More than anything Pat thrived on being a wife, sister, mother and grandmother. She is survived by her husband Dean, by her brother Richard Eugene Young (Laurita) of Marietta, Georgia, by her children Ronald Jeffrey Smith of Nacogdoches, Texas, Martha "Mardi" Diane House (Ted) of St. Charles, Missouri, and Lisa Janel Take (Gregory) of Kansas City, Kansas. Pat adored her four grandchildren Benjamin Edward House of St. Charles, Catherine Ann Haynes (Bryan) of Kansas City, Missouri, Daniel William House of St. Charles and Elizabeth Grace Take of Kansas City, Kansas as well as her nephew Daniel Richard Young (Jennifer) and their children Jordan and Lila of Smyrna, Georgia.
The warmth of her love will never fade in our hearts. The echoes of her laughter will ring with joy as long as we live. The life of virtue she modeled will guide us in all our days. Her faith in the Lord will inspire us to commune with our Savior. And every time we think of her, which will be often, will bring a smile to our face and gratitude for our blessings.
Visitation will be from 5:00 - 7:00 PM Tuesday, September 22, 2020 at Porter Funeral Home, 8535 Monrovia Street, Lenexa, KS 66215. A private service will be held on Wednesday, September 23, 2020 at Old Mission United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the University of Kansas Cancer Center, Old Mission United Methodist Church, or LL Dog Rescue.