Patricia Alice McClanahan
July 16, 2011
Patricia Alice (Winchell) McClanahan married to Loye E. McClanahan, died Saturday afternoon, July 16, 2011, at 12:30 p.m.
Pat was born in Rippey, Iowa, and later moved to Des Moines. She worked at several different jobs throughout her life but her longest formal position was in the pharmacy of Broadlawns Medical Center. On October 2nd, Pat would have been 79 years old. She was born on October 2, 1933. Pat and Loye enjoyed 60 years of marriage. Loye passed away on May 2, 2010, which was one year, two months, and 16 days in separation. They truly cherished and loved each other and are now once again enjoying the presence of one another.
Pat is preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Emeline Winchell. She is survived by her sister Wanda, brother Dean, and two sons, Rodney and Gary McClanahan. Rodney is married to Pixie McClanahan and together they have five children, Melissa, Bryan, Eric, Andrea, and Jason. They also have 8 grandchildren. Gary McClanahan has three children, Ryan, Jennifer, and Jessica. Loye and Pat were blessed with eight great-grandchildren, Tyler Clover, Rebecca Clover, Sydney McClanahan, Jackson McClanahan, Michael Ludwick, Conner Ludwick, and Jonathan Ludwick. Pat is also survived by her dear friend (like a daughter to her), Connie Loftus.
Pat was the type of woman who enjoyed laughter, teasing, friendship, and a good conversation with a cup of coffee. She was loved by all who knew her because of her beautiful smile and feisty personality. She always had time for anyone who wanted to talk and laugh. Her greatest enjoyment in life was family and children. She also enjoyed shopping, quilting, boating, and camping. She loved to cook and made amazing goulash, roast beef dinners, and the best potato salad you could ever eat. The door to her home was always open to her two son's friends. At times two gallons of milk would be consumed in one setting. She was the mom that all the kids wanted to have.
She loved to hear her boys play their guitars and surrounded herself with family. Her nieces and nephews often thought of her as a mom or fun friend. She was her children's and grandchildren's biggest fan no matter what they were involved in. Loye always said that she was the most beautiful woman in the world. She called Loye her Bunny.
If you didn't have the opportunity to meet this beautiful lady, it is her family's hope that you have known someone like her. She was blessed by God with her ability to show kindness, support, and love. You knew she cared without ever having to be told. You immediately loved her.
This will take time for all of us as we miss and love her so much. We know she is in heaven now, free from pain; having tea parties, a cup of coffee, and spending time with her Bunny. When you think of Pat, Mom, or Grandma, remember that she is watching with caring eyes as you live your life while echoing the importance of family.
We will love and miss you for a lifetime. Thanks for all that you have done for each of us.
Services will be held at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines with visitation on Wednesday, July 20 from 5 to 8 p.m. and the funeral on Thursday, July 21 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be on Friday, July 22 at Highland Memory Gardens at 11:00 a.m.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Highland Park Christian Church.
Online condolences may be made at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Jerry & Betty Kindhart
07/23/2011
Gary, Sorry to hear about your Mom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Take care and we all need together before the summer ends.
Angie Joens
07/21/2011
I had the wonderful opportunity to get to know your mom later in her life when she needed a little extra helping hand. I loved our visits and think often that I got more out of the visits then she did. She was a kind heart with a beautiful spirit. We laughed and talked as if we were old friends. She told me how much she loved and missed Loye and could not wait to be with him again and she adored her boys. My goodness the love she had for you and her grandkids could not be measured. I know she will be missed by so many. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Regards - Angie
Paula McClanahan Thompson
07/20/2011
Precious Memories--Memories of Pat will always bring a smile to my face, a tear to my eye on this day, and loving thoughts to my heart of the many great times we have spent with Pat and Loye and you guys. Pat has deeply missed Loye, but now they are again together in heaven with their Lord and Savior. Rod, Gary, and families--Our thoughts and prayers are with you and we love you all.
Love and hugs,
Paula, Gary, and family
"Missouri Cousins"
Betty Poundstone
07/20/2011
My dear cousin has moved on to Heaven; a dear member of our Winchell heritage. Right now she is reminiscing with Loye and my Dad, Dale Winchell and all the other family members that have passed on. Patty, Loye and the boys were very much a part of our family farm near Grand Junction, Iowa. Many years were spent working hard, telling stories, playing practical jokes, playing music and singing good ole tyme music. Although, physically removed from the mid-west, my memories of the years on the farm still bring tears to my eyes. There is no greater love, than the love of family. That philosophy was born and bred into us and Patty and Loye lived it every day of their lives. Hark, I hear someone singing Ole Shep was a pup right now. God bless you all. Gone from this Earth but never forgotten in my heart.
Betty Poundstone
PO Box 577
Amboy, WA 98601
Jim and Diana Weirich
07/20/2011
We went to Highland Park Christian Church for almost 25 years and grew close to your mom and dad. They will be missed. Keeping your family in our prayers.
Robin Petersen
07/19/2011
Rod and family...I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you through this very difficult time.
Robin Petersen (Comfort Keepers)
Ward Phillips of Ramsey Village
07/19/2011
It was with great pleasure that I had the opportunity to meet Mrs. McClanahan. She had a presence about her that brought out the best in her fellow residents and the Ramsey Village staff. She was a delight to have in our community and she truly will be missed by everyone. It was great getting to know her two sons, as their first impression still resonates with me today. They're unquestioned love and respect for their mother was transparent as they were making sure they found the right level of care for their "buddy." Her sense of humor shown through when she pulled the call light and asked the nurse for another cookie. I'm going to remember this trick...
Thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Sincerely,
Ward Phillips
Denise Behling
07/18/2011
Dear Gary,
My heart-felt sympathy on your Mom's passing. I know you have been a devoted son and are truly a reflection of your parents. My thoughts are with you and your family during this time.
Sincerely,
Denise Behling