With a sparkle in her eye and a quick wit that could light up any room, Patricia Ann McKown Smith, age 89, passed away on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at Coffeyville Regional Medical Center with family by her side. Pat was born on March 13, 1934, in Topeka, Kansas to Arch and Janie “Pearl” (Wallace) McKown. Pat was the eldest of six children. At age four, the family moved to Independence, Kansas where she graduated from Independence High School in 1952. In 1955 she married Thomas E. Smith, Jr. and they were blessed with four sons. In 1961 the family moved to Coffeyville, Kansas. They later divorced.
Pat was a resilient and spirited woman who made Coffeyville, Kansas her home for the past 63 years. Once all four sons were in school, she completed an Associate of Science degree at Coffeyville Community College in 1973 and began her career as a medical laboratory technician. She dedicated 38 years of her life to Coffeyville Regional Medical Center, and even in retirement, she continued to serve her community, providing medical lab examinations for personal physicals and at on-site wellness clinics and was well known as the best phlebotomist around. She thoroughly enjoyed doing what she loved while helping to keep her community healthy.
As George Bernard Shaw once said, "Life isn't about finding yourself. It's about creating yourself." Pat did just that, crafting a life filled with love, laughter, and a dash of mischief. Pat was a woman of many talents and interests. She had a love for music, a hand for crochet, and a mind for bridge and card games that would leave even the most seasoned players in awe. She was a devoted caretaker to her beloved cats, a fun friend who loved her neighbors and enjoyed family gatherings, while never missing an opportunity to dress in costume for Halloween or attend a period event at The Brown Mansion.
Pat leaves behind an extensive loving family, including her children Tony Smith and wife, Deana of Copan, Oklahoma, Timothy Smith and wife, Tina of Coffeyville, Kansas, Terry Smith of Wichita, Kansas, and Tad Smith of Denver, Colorado; brother, Chuck and his wife, Kelly McKown; sister-in-law, Carol McKown and brother-in-law Jim Coleman. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren and great-children Tyler and Jenna Smith (Madison and Hunter), Matthew (Haley) Smith (Benjamin and Sophia), and Andrea and Matthew Ollila (Weston and Oliver); nine nieces and nephews; numerous great nieces and nephews; Deborah “Debi” L. McEvoy Harding, who was like a daughter to her; and several other family members and close friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Arch and Janie Pearl McKown; brothers Jon McKown, Mark McKown and Jerry Paul McKown; sister Kathlyn Coleman; daughter-in-law, Diane Smith, granddaughter Sarah LeeAnn Smith; and longtime companion W. G. “Gene” Dodson.
As we remember Pat, we encourage you to leave your memories, stories, or upload photos to her memorial page at www.dwbfh.com. Let's celebrate a life lived fully, a woman loved dearly, and memories that will endure forever. Some examples of Pat’s memories that she liked to share:
She met and saw Mickey Mantle play baseball in Independence, KS at the start of his career. She attended The University of Kansas for a year at the same time that Wilt Chamberlain was there and got to see him play basketball. Pat’s sons remember how Pat’s house was always open and welcome to any of their friends when in need.
No services are currently planned, as Pat wished to bequeath and donate her body to The University of Kansas School of Medicine. A celebration of life will be held later this spring.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in honor of Patricia A. Smith and contributions may be made to The Brown Mansion; these may be left with the funeral home or mailed in care of David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 N. Cline Rd. Coffeyville, KS 67337
David W. Barnes Funeral Home of Coffeyville, KS is in charge of arrangements.
