Patsy Pagan, 83, of Owensboro, Kentucky, passed away on July 28, 2024. She was born on November 12, 1940, in Central City and moved to Owensboro during her childhood. Patsy graduated from Owensboro Technical High School in 1958.
Patsy married and started her family, managing the business side of her husband’s company. After raising her two daughters, she returned to school in the late 1970s and earned a degree in bookkeeping. Patsy worked at the Owensboro Planning Mill and Clark-Howard Builders before retiring.
Patsy enjoyed traveling with her grandchildren and her dear friend Betty Whittinghill. She loved dining out with friends, shopping, animals – especially her dogs – and most of all, spending time with her daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her daughters fondly remember her making the most of a humble life, hand making their dresses, working hard to support them, and instilling values of love and family.
Her grandchildren recall their Memaw taking them on grand traveling adventures, Easter egg hunts in her backyard and most importantly being a steady and supportive presence in their lives. Sleepovers at Memaw’s were a favorite – watching Golden Girls marathons, walking around the neighborhood, indulging in her famous chocolate pudding, and even cleaning the house, which only Memaw could make fun. Patsy had a knack for perfectly peeling apples, ensuring the popcorn was always fresh at the movies, and making vegetables more palatable with a stick of butter and a heavy hand of salt. She took immense pride in her grandchildren and their children, who each brought her tremendous joy.
Patsy’s love, strength and resilience guided her family. Though family gatherings were small in number, they were rich in love and laughter.
Patsy was preceded in death by her parents, Alva Jarvis and Pauline Jarvis Ferrell; brothers Paul Jarvis and Robert Jarvis; sisters June Morton, Muriel Jarvis, Shirley Wills, Judie Hoover, and Karla Faust; stepfather Earl Ferrell; and dear friends Cecil and Pat Triplett and Ruth Westerfield.
She is survived by her daughters Kathy (Barry) Elder and Teresa Pagan Belcher; grandchildren Courtney (Joey) Ammons, Morgan Elder (Katlyn Kogelman), and Ashley (Drew) Wedding; great-grandchildren Dylan Ammons, Carson Ammons, Brooklyn Ammons, Avery Sorce, Reed Sorce, Mason Wedding, and Asher Elder; and a brother, James Jarvis.
In lieu of a service, the family will hold a private remembrance for Patsy at the beach in the near future.
The family would like to extend special thanks to the staffs of One Park Place and Wellington Parc for their exceptional care of their beloved mom and grandmother.