Patricia Kinsey Obituary

Patricia Kinsey

GARRETT - Patricia Yvonne (Souder) Kinsey, age 91, of Garrett, Indiana, went to be with her heavenly Lord on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024, at Parkview DeKalb Hospital, Auburn, Indiana.

Patricia was born on Nov. 25, 1932, in Butler, Indiana, to Ralph and Sarah Mildred (Bryant) Souder.

Patricia was self-employed in advertising and was a member of Garrett United Methodist Church, Psi Iota Xi Sorority, American Legion Auxiliary, Garrett Chamber of Commerce, Garrett Historical Society, a former member of the Fort Wayne Advertising Association, Lay speaker in the United Methodist Church, United Methodist Foundation Board, Board of Directors of Oakwood Spiritual Life Center in Syracuse, Indiana, and Friends of Lincoln and the Civil War Round Table, Fort. Wayne, Indiana. She was a volunteer at the Community Food Pantry and the Judith A. Morrill Recreation Center.

Pat once wrote, "My life was first with God and then family and friends." Her children would go farther saying that just after "family and friends" came her dedication to Garrett, with its history and proud heritage as a perfect small town in which to raise her family.

She involved herself with every activity she could at Garrett Methodist Church and Garrett High School, with her enthusiasm for life and upbeat "let's do it!" attitude being the contagious spark that often got things done.

Most everyone Patricia met felt her love and sincerity for their well-being. During a time working at the high school, with four of her kids there at the same time, even the other students began calling her "Mom."

During her business career with her own advertising agency, she was embraced by organizations that included the Indiana Dairy Farmers and many Indiana companies. Her 30-plus years helping build the annual Fort Wayne Farm Show, prompted a profile article in local papers calling her The Farm Show Lady.

Later in life, she continued volunteer work at every level. Finally, at age 87, the food pantry told her that they didn't want her risking a fall any longer as she was still delivering food to the elderly, many of which were younger than she.

Patricia is survived by her three sons and two daughters, Bradley (Christine) Kinsey, of Glen Ellyn, Illinois, Stanley (Lori) Kinsey, of College Grove, Tennessee, Daniel (Mary) Kinsey, of Wheaton, Illinois, Pamela (Greg) Lungmus, of Northfield, Illinois, and Kelly (Chuck) McPheeters, of Nashville, Indiana; plus 16 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Linda Souder.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Mildred Souder; brother, Bill Souder; and sister and brother-in-law, Phyllis and Kenny Jennings.

Services were held at noon, on Monday, Jan. 29, 2024, at Garrett United Methodist Church, with Pastor Chris Nelson and the Rev. Dale Mendenhall officiating.

Burial will take place at a later date at Butler Cemetery, Butler, Indiana.

Memorials are to Garrett United Methodist Church or Crossroad at Zion Church (Troy Township).

You may send a condolence or sign the online register book at www.thomasfuneralhome.org.